The sales of new devices with integrated mobile broadband connectivity, together with external USB modems, will top 100 million in 2010, as mobile broadband makes major inroads into the mass market, stimulated by new devices such as the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad and more aggressive tariffs from mobile operators.

According to a new Strategy Analytics Wireless Enterprise Strategies (WES) service report, “Untethering the User: Mobile Broadband Market Outlook on USB Modems, PC Cards & Embedded Cellular Connectivity,” the installed base of mobile broadband modems will have grown to a staggering 415 million devices by 2014, highlighting the need for true, ubiquitous mobility, that enables users to engage with their contacts and content whatever their location.

This report examines in detail the global market for embedded laptops, netbooks and USB modems. Strategy Analytics evaluates drivers behind carriers’ aggressive promotion of mobile broadband devices--such as cellular-based modems for notebooks, netbooks and numerous other industrial and consumer devices--from smart meters and advertising displays to EBook Readers, media tablets and even picture frames. The report also looks at factors that could disrupt the mobile broadband market, such as Wi-Fi, and reliance on smartphones and handset tethering.

“Decreasing module costs and greater variety of pre and post-pay tariff plans are making mobile broadband more accessible, allowing more people to access their content wherever and whenever they desire. Going forward, emerging markets and M2M will represent major opportunities for growth,” according to Andrew Brown, Director of Wireless Enterprise Strategies at Strategy Analytics and author of the report.

Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director, Mobile Broadband Opportunities (MBO), added, “Clearly we are at an inflection point in the mobile broadband market. New devices, such as the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad, as well as netbooks and notebooks, are helping to drive mobile broadband into the mass market.”