Study Probes Wireless Infrastructure

China is the leading wireless market, according to a new study from market research specialist ABI Research. By reviewing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing mobile infrastructure vendors, the study, "Mobile Network Vendor SWOT Analysis," attempts to project the landscape of the mobile wireless equipment market for the next several years. According to the report, Ericsson leads the world's mobile infrastructure market, but faces stiff competition from Nokia Siemens Networks and Alcatel-Lucent as well as from some Asian vendors, especially Huawei.

As ABI Research Senior Analyst Nadine Manjaro explains, "As of 1Q 2008, Huawei owned almost 8 percent of the world's cellular infrastructure market, compared to Ericsson at nearly 29 percent and Nokia Siemens at more than 23 percent. But don't be deceived by that disparity: Huawei is the vendor to watch, given its overall increase in market share over the last six quarters. And squarely in its sights is the number three vendor, Alcatel-Lucent, with a market share just over 13 percent." She adds that "China is the leading wireless market and its top three operators plan to spend close $80 billion on infrastructure over the next three years. This, along with strong growth in India and Africa, might catapult Huawei into the lead within three to five years."