International research firm Parks Associates forecasts consumer demand for ubiquitous wireless access will make mobile broadband a common feature in portable CE, with 55% of the more than 100 million mobile Internet devices (MIDs) sold worldwide in 2014 containing embedded mobile 3G or faster connectivity.

The firm's new report Mobile Internet Devices: Uptake and Trends finds the majority of consumers consider wireless connectivity a necessity for devices such as e-readers, iPads, and portable game players. As a result, OEMs will incorporate mobile broadband into more devices, and to drive end-user adoption further, they could start to forge partnerships with mobile operators to develop innovative pricing models for mobile data services.

"The marriage of mobility and the Internet is creating excellent market opportunities," said Harry Wang, director, mobile research, Parks Associates. "Connected PMPs, e-book readers, and Internet tablets account for the majority of sales through 2014. These devices fit perfectly with the growing demand for mobility among today's consumers."

Mobile broadband won't replace Wi-Fi completely, however. "Wi-Fi's advantages as a low-cost, traffic-offloading solution for mobile carriers are well established," Wang said. "Its use on MIDs in homes and at hotspots will increase in the next few years until mobile carriers fully migrate to their next-generation LTE network."

From the article, "Parks Associates Forecasts Over 50% of Mobile Internet Devices Sold in 2014 Will Have Embedded Mobile Broadband"

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