Cellular Modems US Survey: ABI Research Finds Uptake Limited by Service Cost

A survey recently carried out by ABI Research in the United States into 1000 consumers’ attitudes about cellular modems includes one result that should grab the attention of mobile operators.

Cellular modems enable laptop computers (and increasingly, devices such as netbooks, e-readers, PNDs and even cameras) to access the Internet. Typical cellular modem users currently pay $50-$60/month for mobile data services from national providers. Respondents who don’t currently own cellular modems but are interested in them, however, place a significantly lower value – somewhere between less than $10 and $30/month – on that service.

“Over 47% of US survey respondents had at least some interest in cellular modems and their willingness to pay for mobile data service is at half of current market prices,” notes senior analyst Jeff Orr. “In the US at least, consumers want a mobile data service costing no more than their home broadband.”

Part of the reason for this is that developed telecommunications markets, including the US, are more likely to add a cellular modem in addition to their fixed Internet access rather than as a replacement. Another consideration is that high-speed mobile broadband networks are not ubiquitous: only certain regions and locations (those offering newer 3G or 4G data networks) presently have coverage, but that will improve over time.

While plan cost will inevitably fall, there is a trade-off with the still less-than-perfect capacity of the networks. “Could operators say ‘we’ll give you mobile broadband performance for $39 a month’?” Orr asks. “Yes; but will they be able to deliver on that promise?”

“Interest in and Usage of Cellular Modems” provides survey results related to cellular modems. The results are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis comparing the responses of those interested in cellular modems and those who currently have the devices and service.

This Research Brief is part of the Cellular PC Modems Research Service which also includes other Research Briefs, Research Reports, Market Data, an ABI Vendor Matrix, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through 25 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.