In its latest report, ABI Research argues that consumers will buy more 3G modems than businesses for the first time. The research company anticipates that in 2010, 51% of these modems (mostly USB) will ship into the consumer segment, and by 2014 that percentage is expected to rise to 63%.
ABI continues adding that although notebooks and netbooks will increasingly feature embedded modem modules, penetration will remain slow in the near-term. To prove the point ABI points to 2009 figures when less than 5% of laptops and netbooks has shipped/will ship with embedded modems. However over the long-term, the attachment rates will reach significant levels and in 2014, 48% of laptops and netbooks will come with 3G or 4G data connectivity.
In addition, there’s one important factor that will shape the market in the mid-term – roll-out of mobile WiMAX and LTE networks during 2011 and 2012, which will create demand to upgrade to compatible modems…
Additional details on ABI Research’s report titled “Cellular Modems and Mobile Broadband Connectivity” are available from their website.