Mobile Broadband isn't just for Business anymore...

In a new report, Compass Intelligence gives some insight into expected growth and drivers for Mobile Broadband services in the US, expected to reach 13.4 million by the end of this year. The report provides forecasts from 2008 - 2014 and includes primary research with 3,152 mobile broadband users in the US (November of 2009).

When asked which applications they use their Mobile Broadband cards or embedded modems to access, Internet access and email are most common, as expected. The fact that roughly the same percentage of respondents say they access their corporate network via Mobile Broadband connections as those that say they access social networking sites, like Facebook, proves that Mobile Broadband isn't just for business anymore. Please note, those surveyed indicating "none" stated they didn't use any of the applications listed below, likely because they use industry-specific apps (not listed) instead.

Applications Currently Access Using a Mobile Broadband Connection:

What to expect in the future for Mobile Broadband:

Compass Intelligence expects stiff competition in the Mobile Broadband space in the coming years, particularly as bandwidth dramatically increases.

• Sprint already has a headstart with its 4G roll-out and is already making waves with its dual-mode 3G/4G mi-fi device, the Overdrive. This will increase customers' appetites for higher speed Internet experiences while being mobile.
• Verizon is expected to come at the Mobile Broadband market with equal or more strong vigor as its rolls out LTE at the end of this year.
• Compass Intelligence also expects the prepaid Mobile Broadband space to really heat up this year and in 2011, as providers fight to find a low-cost point of entry into this market.

• This means with near fixed broadband speeds up in the air, the definition of "Mobile Broadband" will change.

To contact the analyst, contact Kneko Burney kneko@compassintelligence.com