81 Million USB Wireless Modems to Ship in 2010

Wireless modem devices come in a variety of form factors -- including USB modems, PC cards, embedded modules, and wireless routers. Among the external devices, USB modems have become one of the most popular wireless communication products.

So popular, in fact, that ABI Research forecasts shipments of nearly 81 million this year.

Today, the majority of wireless broadband subscribers enjoying portable connectivity use USB ports. The alternative, the PC Card slot, has rapidly been displaced since the introduction of USB in 2006.

"The main reason for USB modem popularity is versatility at a low price," says Jeff Orr, principal analyst, mobile devices at ABI Research.

According to the latest ABI Research market study, more than 50 percent of the modem models now available in the market utilize the ubiquitous USB interface.

Adds Orr, "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."

The question remains whether 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 can overtake the popularity of USB dongles.

ABI research associate Khin Sandi Lynn points out that, "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."

The mobile broadband modems available in the market today support a variety of air interface technologies. According to the ABI Research database, approximately 50 percent of the wireless modems in the market support GSM, GPRS, EDGE or HSDPA standards.

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