UMPC Makers told to add WiMAX or 3G Cellular

Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) manufacturers need to add support for wide-area wireless networks in order for the devices to fulfill their full market potential, reports US market researchers In-Stat. Embedding a wide-area wireless modem into devices addresses the frustration many users have with the spotty coverage of Wi-Fi, the high-tech market research firm says. However, supporting the multiple cellular protocols is difficult and costly.
“The challenge is which of the broadband options: WiMAX, EV-DO, HSPA, or LTE, will be most successful in a UMPC,” says Frank Dickson, Vice President, Mobile Internet group. “Each has pros and cons. There is no ‘best’ wide-area wireless technology.”

Recent research by In-Stat found:

- UMPCs will increasingly add support for wide-area wireless to
supplement Wi-Fi. The connect rate for wide-area wireless will grow
from 20% today to almost 50% by 2012.
- In-Stat’s end-user survey revealed that 44% of notebook PC users
express frustration with coverage when using Wi-Fi, compared with just
15% using a cellular broadband service.
- Competitors are experimenting with business models and subsidies.
AT&T Mobility and RadioShack recently initiated a consumer offer for a
subsidized Acer Aspire UMPC coupled with a broadband service plan.

This has been evident in the UK with laptops being given away with 3G broadband monthly service packages.