Date: 23/05/2011

Wireless broadband is the key driver of tablet market

In-Stat reports consumers of portable and computing devices require constant connectivity in order to access the Internet, engage in social networking, and share multimedia content. In-Stat says in fact, this consistent connected experience is imperative in today's digital lifestyle. New In-Stat research suggests that this trend represents an opportunity for mobile operators to move beyond the maturing handset market and into connecting emerging wireless device markets, like e-readers and tablets. By 2015 for example, tablets will have the highest 3G/4G attach rate among all cellular-enabled portable and computing devices with 78% of tablets shipping with a 3G/4G modem, according to In-Stat.

"The emerging tablet market represents one of the strongest opportunities for embedded 3G/4G technology," says Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst. "Cellular connectivity will also continue to find its way into e-readers, as well. By 2015, 65% of e-readers worldwide will ship with an embedded 3G/4G modem."

In-Stat's additional research findings include:
Approximately 16 million portable and computing devices shipped with 3G/4G cellular connectivity in 2010.
Over 50% of all 3G/4G tablets in 2015 will have LTE WAN connectivity.
By 2015, 52% of cellular-connected portable and computing devices in Asia will be GSM devices.
The Asia/Pacific region will experience the highest sustainable growth rate among 3G/4G portable and computing devices throughout the forecast period.