Into your home, work place, car and everywhere else, that’s where. ABI Research company has forecasted over 81 million USB wireless modems will be sold in 2010. Currently over 50% of those sales figures are from cellular companies pushing their services for hotspots and instant wifi connection when out-n-about.
The biggest reason for the USB modem is lack of required drivers, as it’s either preinstalled on the device or installs directly from the device. In addition, the USB modem is portable and easily swapped between work and home locations.
ABI asks whether embedded modem modules in new computers or the recent interest in personal hotspot routers (a la MiFi) can overtake the popularity of USB dongles. Research associate Khin Sandi Lynn points out that, “In the long run, more devices are looking for a network to connect to. The wireless modem market can solve this in many ways – different form-factors, air interface protocols, and increased attention to style and cultural interests.”
