The UMTS Forum has today predicted that as many as one billion Consumer Electronics (CE) devices will be connected to mobile broadband networks by 2016.

In a study entitled "Two Worlds Connected: Consumer Electronics Meets Mobile Broadband” the forum explores relationships between the CE and cellular industries.

They argue that while the market for connected devices remains embryonic, Consumer Electronics device connectivity will outstrip overall wireless market growth in the next five years. This trend is signalled by a wave of device categories – from e-Book readers to satnav devices – that are already starting to demand access to cellular data networks.

Read the UMTS Press Release about the study


The key findings of the report include:

• There is no doubt that Consumer Electronics devices are becoming increasingly connected. The industry is in flux and must quickly “connect or perish”.

• Consumer Electronics devices are not yet the main driver for mobile broadband

• Mobile broadband enabled devices largely support mobile usage.

• Wi-Fi will remain the dominant access technology in homes.

• Cloud and media server-based solutions will coexist.

• Business models are very much the key barrier to mobile broadband enabled CE devices on a large scale. Operators thus need to regain their pivotal role in the ecosystem and to stimulate the development of mobile-enabled CE, rather than relying on the main impetus from CE vendors. A collaborative approach between operators and CE vendors will contribute creating a sustainable service business.

• Other potential barriers to ubiquitous mobile broadband include market and spectrum fragmentation, chip prices, and the need for a clear value proposition for LTE to be understood by CE player

NB: The full report is only available to members of the UMTS Forum.

ABOUT THE UMTS FORUM

The UMTS Forum helps all players in this dynamic new value chain understand and profit from the opportunities of 3G/UMTS networks and their Long Term Evolution (LTE).

The UMTS Forum participates actively in the work of the ITU, EC, ETSI, 3GPP and CEPT as well as other technical and commercial organisations globally. It also contributes to the timely licensing and deployment of mobile broadband globally through regular dialogue with regulators and responses to public consultations.

The UMTS Forum supports the interests of its membership with a range of studies, reports and other outputs. Principal focus areas include markets trends, mobile broadband services and applications, key growth markets, spectrum & regulation, technology & implementation. A strong promotional voice is maintained via a high-profile presence at conferences, seminars and workshops as well as regular briefings to the media, analysts and other stakeholders.

Membership of the UMTS Forum draws together everyone with an interest in mobile broadband, including network operators, regulators and the manufacturers of network infrastructure and terminal equipment.