NEW YORK - February 18, 2009 - Shipment data for the cellular modems used to
connect laptops and netbooks to the Internet indicate that more than 35 million of
the devices hit the market in 2008. Of that total, the majority were the external
USB modems that mobile operators have been pushing for some time. Continued growth
has been bolstered as mobile operators have bundled USB modems with netbooks in
attractively subsidized price plans.

 

A further 3.5 million were embedded modems, built into the computers. According to
ABI Research principal analyst Philip Solis, “After years of slow growth, the
embedded cellular modem market is starting to show signs of life, increasing volumes
and exceeding expectations. ABI Research expects that, building on a good showing of
3.5 million units in 2008, shipments of embedded modems will more than double in
2009.”

 

Qualcomm and Ericsson have been targeting the embedded modem market directly,
positioning their products very competitively against each other. Operators,
especially in Western Europe, are subsidizing USB modems and offering premium data
plans that include “free” netbooks or laptops equipped with embedded
modems.

 

Solis warns that despite the positive picture for embedded modems, the global
recession will inevitably have an impact on the market. “In light of the
prevailing economic conditions and the resulting slowdown in laptop shipments, ABI
Research has lowered its overall forecasts for the cellular modem market for 2009.
However, shipment rates will continue to grow, albeit at a slower place, because
this is an underpenetrated market and because of subsidies and other incentives
offered by mobile operators.”

 

“Cellular PC Card Market Data” provides market share and shipment
forecast data for cellular modems used to supply cellular connectivity for all types
of laptop computing devices. It includes data for cellular modems’ four form
factors: PCMCIA cards, USB modems, internal modems, and 3G/Wi-Fi routers.

 

This database is a component of the firm’s Cellular PC Modems Research
Service, which also includes Research Reports, Research Briefs, ABI Insights, an ABI
Vendor Matrix, and analyst inquiry support.

 

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging
trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI
Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers
through research and advisory services in seven key practice areas. Est. 1990. For
more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500. 

        


        

        


        
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