Sharp Decline Forecast For Mobile Data Equipment

March 4, 2009

Market research firm IMS Research is predicting a double-digit decline in revenues in 2009 for the mobile data infrastructure market. One of the segments that will suffer the most is mobile WiMAX, as credit markets tighten and limit the expansion of WiMAX networks. Unfortunately, the global economic downturn has come at a time when many wireless operators are developing plans to upgrade existing third-generation (3G) wireless networks or move to next-generation technologies such as fourth-generation (4G) wireless equipment. The IMS Research report, "Mobile Broadband: 4G Network Evolution," points to a slowdown in 2009 but a quick recovery in 2010. It also notes that business from the installed base of mobile data users should remain steady. In addition, service providers will look more to upgradable base stations rather than to new technologies. And infrastructure vendors in China may well see an increase in activity. The report summarizes that the total mobile data infrastructure market should be worth about $30 to $35 billion (USD) by 2013.

About the Author

Jack Browne

Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.