Wireless Data Users to Reach 1.3 Billion by 2004
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2000--The use of wireless data technology is expected to skyrocket in the dawn of the 21st century, according to Cahners In-Stat Group (http://www.instat.com/).
The high-tech market research firm predicts that the wireless data market will grow from about 170 million subscribers worldwide in 2000 to greater than 1.3 billion in 2004. As a result, more than 1.5 billion handsets, personal digital assistants, and Internet appliances are expected to be equipped with wireless capabilities by the end of 2004.
According to Dave Jackson, senior analyst for In-Stat's Wireless Data service, "Messaging will be the primary driver of wireless data adoption over the next few years. We estimate that the number of wireless messages sent per month will balloon from 3 billion in December 1999 to 244 billion by December 2004.
"Other features such as mobile or M-Commerce applications, entertainment, real-time financial information, travel, and location-based (L411) information services -- getting directions to the closest restaurant or ATM, for instance -- will also be popular but will take longer to reach the market."
However, In-Stat believes that the success of wireless data will not be an absolute given. To ensure that wireless data catches on, carriers must deploy new infrastructure and install new equipment to enable location-based services, high-level security, micro-payment options and detailed billing.
Jackson stated, "After that, the march toward wireless data will become a stampede."
In-Stat has also found that:
-- The potential for wireless data is enormous. In the United
States alone, there are more than 60 million households with
wired Internet access and more than 100 million wireless
phones.
-- The high rate of Internet penetration in the United States
could discourage some from subscribing to wireless data
services as many Americans are accustomed to high-speed
wireline connections to the Web that deliver graphic-rich
data. Wireless data can't match those speeds. But many will
still opt for the technology to gain increased mobility and
convenience.
-- Due to lower PC and wired Internet penetration rates and
higher wired line prices, many Europeans and Japanese aren't
used to high-speed Web service, and their primary access to
the Internet or email is through their mobile phones.
Europeans will have additional incentive to use wireless data
services when third generation (3G) wireless technology --
boosting mobile data throughput from 9.6 kbps up to 384 kbps
-- becomes available in 2002-2004.
Please visit instat.com to view a related graph.
The report, Wireless Data/Internet Market Gains Momentum: Five-Year Subscriber Forecast (No. MD0003MD) examines Circuit-Switched vs. Packet Switched Data in addition to analog, digital and WAP technologies.
The report also analyzes worldwide wireless data/Internet trends, and provides forecasts for worldwide wireless data/Internet subscribers, SMS subscriber growth and messaging. To purchase this report or for more information, please call Courtney McEuen at 480/609-4533; cmceuen@instat.com or visit instat.com - md0003md. The report price is $2,495 USD.
Cahners In-Stat Group (http://www.instat.com/) covers the full spectrum of digital communications research from vendor to end-user, providing the analysis and perspective that allows technology vendors and service providers worldwide to make more informed business decisions.
CONTACT:
Cahners In-Stat Group
Kirsten Skedd, 480/609-4534
kskedd@instat.com
David Jackson, 617/558-4942 (Wireless Data Market)
dbjackson@cahners.com
Rebecca Diercks, 617/558-4748 (Wireless Research)
rdiercks@cahners.com
KEYWORD: ARIZONA
BW0099 SEP 12,2000
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