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(Wireless News via NewsEdge) New alternative technologies will contribute just 6% of the forecast 500 million mobile broadband users globally by 2010, according to a Strategy Analytics report.

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

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.

'We're not likely to see technologies like mobile WiMAX or indeed, anything else, really take off until the next decade,' said Sara Harris, senior industry analyst at Strategy Analytics.

'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'

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