Abstract
Since the early 1980' s, the wireless industry has been anticipating the rapid
growth of wireless data applications. The data in this study show that this
long-awaited growth is finally here. The greatest obstacle to this growth has
been for organizations to move past the evaluation process and begin
implementing solutions.
This report found that the number of users in 2006, having at least one
wireless data application in the field, has increased significantly. Most
organizations start with basic applications, such as wireless email and
virtual private networks (VPNs), but the larger and more experienced
organizations have plans for more sophisticated solutions. This is good news
for carriers that have been disappointed with earlier acceptance of wireless
data. While wireless data has allowed average revenue per unit or user (ARPU)
to remain about the same, higher adoption should increase this metric.
Interestingly, companies are enthusiastic users of smartphones. While laptop
computers are the most popular primary device, smartphones are a strong second
choice. Going forward, there are two challenges: first, consumers struggle to
distinguish the benefits of cellular data from wireless LANs. And second, more
than half of the companies leave wireless data network selection and payment
to individuals and operational managers. These individuals do not necessarily
have the expertise to make the best choices.
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