By Calvin Azuri
TMCnet Contributor
USB modems, PC cards, embedded modules and wireless routers are some of the varieties of wireless modem devices. USB modems have become the most popular products among the external devices. Nearly 81 million of USB modems are expected to be shipped this year, according to ABI Research (News – Alert).
USB ports are used by a majority of wireless broadband subscribers enjoying portable connectivity. Since the introduction of USBs in 2006, the alternative PC Card slot has rapidly been displaced. Jeff Orr, the principal analyst for mobile devices at ABI Research said that the main reason for USB modem popularity is versatility at a low price. As per the ABI Research’s Cellular Modem Product Tracking Database, the ubiquitous USB interface is utilized by more than 50 percent of the modem models available in the market. In a release, Jeff Orr added, “USB dongles connect the subscriber to a specific network rapidly and without installing drivers. As new networks using the latest 3G or 4G protocols emerge, the USB modem is ready to update the installed base of portable and mobile computers.” There is still doubt whether the popularity of USB dongles will be overtaken by embedded modem modules in new computers or the recent interest in personal hotspot routers connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices to a single wireless WAN connection. In a release, Khin Sandi Lynn, research associate at ABI Research said, “In the long run, more devices are looking for a network to connect to. The wireless modem market can solve this in many ways – different form-factors, air interface protocols, and increased attention to style and cultural interests.” A variety of air interface technologies are supported by the mobile broadband modems available in the market. Approximately 50 percent of the wireless modems in the market support GSM, GPRS, EDGE or HSDPA according to ABI Research’s database. Quarterly updated ABI Research’s new study “Cellular Modem Product Tracking Database” profiles hundreds of wireless modem models from leading manufacturers. More details on the study are available at http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1005558. The database also includes form factors, frequency bands, access technology and regional availability of wireless modems. Further information on ABI Research’s Cellular PC Modems Research Service is available at http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Cellular_PC_Modems_Research_Service.
Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Juliana Kenny
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