Mobile Data Infrastructure Market Prepares For Sharp Decline In 2009

AUSTIN, TXThe mobile data infrastructure market is expected to experience a double-digit decline in revenues this year, according to a recent study by IMS Research. In the report, titled "Mobile Broadband: 4G Network Evolution," IMS Research points out that mobile WiMAX may be hardest hit as credit markets dry up, jeopardizing many of the smaller WiMAX vendors' most important customers.

This economic downturn comes at a time when many operators are outlining their plans to upgrade existing third-generation (3G) networks or migrate to next-generation networks. Before the economic crash, many thought that 2009 would be a year defined by aggressive expansion of mobile data networks and large investments in fourth-generation (4G) technologies. Yet a quick recovery is expected in 2010 on the heels of widespread 3G upgrades and next-generation network investments.

Other findings in the report include:
The installed base of mobile data users is forecasted to remain relatively insulated from the economic downturn and achieve steady growth throughout the forecast period
Upgradable base stations will accelerate the adoption of next-generation network-infrastructure equipment.
Chinese infrastructure vendors are expected to increase their marketshare over the forecast period.
The total mobile data infrastructure market is expected to be worth between $30 and $35 billion by 2013.
For more information on these findings, please visit www.imsresearch.com.

See associated figure