Devices Have a Key Role in Growing Mobile Broadband, finds In-Stat report

According to In-Stat, 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. 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, reports the high-tech market research firm.

“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.”

Recent research by In-Stat 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.