News
Issue #2003 - 06 (February 2003)
(Updated Feb. 20, 2003)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

WiFi News This Week

Falling Prices Spur Wi-Fi Shipments in 2002

The year 2002 proved to be a stellar year for Wireless LAN volume growth, driven by the increasingly cheap and reliable 802.11b technology, according to In-Stat/MDR. The high-tech market research firm reports that when final figures are available, business Wi-Fi hardware shipments are expected to rise 65 percent annually in 2002, to 11.6 million units and home shipments are expected to increase by a very healthy 160 percent, to 6.8 million units. However, fast and furiously falling prices for 802.11b equipment are expected to cause total market revenues to grow by only 23 percent, from 1.8 billion in 2001 to $2.2 billion in 2002. "In 2002, security continued to be the most talked about issue on the business side, while the Achilles heel of the home market remained multimedia support," says Gemma Paulo, a Senior Analyst with In-Stat/MDR. "In the year ahead, the continued growth and evolution of dual-mode 2.4/5GHz capable equipment, Intel's ability to push outs its Centrino mobile technology, the shift toward 802.11g as the preferred 2.4 GHz WLAN technology, and the advent of new enterprise infrastructure technology, will all shape the development of this market." (Source: CNET News.com) - more info 

Source - Several, including in-Stat/MDR, 802.11 portal and Fierce 80211

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: 802.11 standard has done its job - reduced prices and introduced interoperability. The trend will continue. Enterprise versions of WiFi will give vendors slightly better margins. 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.