Abstract
In Western Europe, the mobile broadband market has grown sharply in recent
months and this trend is expected to continue. This report assesses what is
driving the market and the potential barriers to uptake.
Among the key messages of the report are:
- The key driver is a combination of high-speed packet access (HSPA), USB
modems and simplified pricing
- HSPA has delivered on the promise of 3G, but a mobile network still can' t
compete with fixed
- The USB modem (or dongle) will remain the key device for access
- A portfolio of simple tariffs maximises the target audience, but the
mobile premium remains a harsh reality
Table of Contents
Executive summary
- In a nutshell
- Key messages
- Ovum view
- Mobile broadband: a definition
Drivers for mobile broadband
- HSPA finally delivers on the 3G promise
- Devices: you say dongle, I say USB modem
- Future connectivity for mobile broadband: embedded and the handset as a
modem
- Tariffs: capped usage access on a fixed term contract
- The Internet becomes omnipresent
- Femtocells: a mobile broadband driver of the future?
Barriers for mobile broadband
- Network limitations
- Price: the mobile premium
- Awareness
Table of figures
- Figure 1. Vodafone technology roadmap
- Figure 2. 3GPP HSPA evolutionary path
- Figure 3. Western European connections by technology: 2007 - 11
- Table 1. ZTE global datacard and USB modem shipments: 2007
- Figure 4. Mobile broadband capped usage limits in Austria, Germany, Italy
& UK
- Figure 5. Mobile broadband contract lengths in Austria, Germany, Italy & UK
- Table 2. Examples of mobile broadband prepaid offers in Western Europe
- Table 3. Western European mobile broadband ‘average' service
portfolio and pricing
- Figure 6. Contrasting femtocell business case scenarios
- Table 4. UK fixed and mobile broadband: cheapest price comparison
- Table 5. UK fixed and mobile broadband: most expensive price comparison
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