Mobile broadband modems used in non-smartphone mobile computers, tablets and CE devices are expected to drop 8 percent to 50 million units in 2015, according to ABI Research.
One of the leading accessories for portable computers is the 4G LTE USB modem. ABI Research estimates USB modem shipments will decline 13 percent year-on-year. Mobile broadband USB modems have not been immune to the PC market contraction.
Jeff Orr, research director at ABI Research, said: “Though the Windows 10 OS release is breathing new life into an aging laptop installed base, it does not translate into increased investment for mobile broadband.
Outside of USB, makers of embedded modem modules and mobile hotspot routers remain upbeat about the market potential. A modem module built into a new tablet or 2-in-1 ultraportable PC aligns with the mobile use case of these modern devices.
Both consumers and businesses alike can benefit from connecting multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices to a mobile hotspot router that utilizes a high-speed mobile network for connectivity anywhere, whether in transit or at venues where Wi-Fi is not available.
ABI Research finds that modem modules and mobile hotspot router unit volume will stay roughly flat (+/- 5 percent) year-over-year while revenues for these modem types will contract 10-15 percent to drive more interest in mobile broadband adoption.
