Over 500 million mobile broadband users by 2010: Strategy Analytics

MUMBAI: New alternative technologies will contribute just six percent of the forecast 500 million mobile broadband users globally by 2010, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

Despite all the hype surrounding alternative technologies like WiMAX, it is iterations of existing technologies which will dominate the mobile broadband arena in the short term, said the research firm.

Technologies such as mobile WiMAX and UMTS TDD will lead the alternative technology camp, but enhancements to existing technologies, including HSPA and EV-DO Revision A+ will comprise the bulk of the market and are where the money lies in the short-term, asserts an official release.

Strategy Analytics senior industry analyst Sara Harris said, “We’re not likely to see technologies like mobile WiMAX or indeed, anything else, really take off until the next decade. However, HSPA and EV-DO will be more than acceptable for most users, giving them the speed and flexibility they want to use their fixed Internet applications on the move.”