Tuesday, 8 April 2008

Devices Play Key Role in Growing Mobile Broadband

Successful growth in mobile broadband requires three components — users, infrastructure, and devices. The device sits in the middle of the relationship between the user and the network, shaping how those two interact.

For example femtocells will create new service opportunities for carriers that will help them win new subscribers.

According to a recent In-Stat study, what is going on at the device level for 3G and WiMAX plays a major role in the type of services consumers will see in the future.

"Two of the biggest device trends in the cellular industry are dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi phones and femtocells," says Daryl Schoolar, In-Stat analyst.

"This trend can change how operators sell both voice and data services."

The research also found the following:

• Dual-mode Wi-Fi cellular handsets' impact will be greater on data than voice.
• Growth in WiBRO services took off as device choices increased.
• Wi-Fi has become pervasive across all categories.