1b mobile broadband lines this year: ABI

Despite concerns over market saturation in many parts of the world, there's plenty of growth potential left in mobile broadband, according to data released by ABI Research.

 

The study, which tracks worldwide subscription trends for over 120 markets, has forecast that mobile broadband subscriptions will hit the 1 billion mark this year.

 

The Asia Pacific holds the most room for growth, in particular China and India, ABI research director Neil Strother said. “However the strictly regulated telecom markets in these two countries impose high barriers for foreign players, which may slow the rollout of new technology,” Strother said.

 

“With the proliferation of mobile broadband, it has become increasingly common to have multiple mobile connections per user,” added research associate Seet Fei Feng.

 

“The main motivation is the desire to stay connected everywhere, with more high speed 4G wireless networks lighting up, and a huge increase in the popularity of social connectivity.”

 

The Asia Pacific region currently accounts for close to 75% of global mobile penetration, the report said.