SIM Card Market to Approach 3.8 Billion Units in 2010, Says ABI Research
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ABI Research forecasts that the SIM card market will grow 10% in 2010, approaching 3.8 billion shipments. Driven by growing connectivity demand, M2M, browser-based services, and new business models, it will continue to grow in volume and value over the next few years as new markets and applications come online. At the same time, MNOs are evaluating which services are best run on the SIM in an effort to maximize security and combat the threat of third-party application stores, which could limit their future data service revenue.
Principal analyst John Devlin says, “SIM cards offer operators a direct presence with the end-user; it makes sense that service providers will take advantage of the increased level of functionality, performance and security. With handset manufacturers and companies such as Google offering their own portals and services directly to end-users, operators need to be able to compete.”
SIM-based applications and browsers can give operators a branded presence and allow customers easy access to targeted services. It’s not just within the smartphone sector that this is occurring; innovative services are being delivered via SIM-based browsers in many 2G and developing markets.
Volume growth is not just derived from more people buying more mobile phones. A growing variety of devices – both consumer and industrial – are being connected. Devlin notes, “The ramping up of M2M deployments has started. Automotive and smart metering lead the way, with future potential in areas such as tele-health. Additionally, the variety of devices integrating mobile connectivity is growing. E-readers, tablets, netbooks, laptops, PNDs, and gaming devices are all becoming increasingly connected and will offer enhanced functionality as 4G networks deliver greater bandwidth and multimedia streaming capabilities.”
Devlin concludes, “New business models such as revenue sharing agreements are being offered to the operators in an effort to stimulate demand for new applications and features. In turn this will drive up software and service revenues for SIM vendors and developers, as well as demanding higher-level silicon, which combine to increase overall market revenues.”
ABI Research’s new study, “World Market for SIM Cards” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1003720) analyses product and market innovation, opportunities for MNOs, VAS, accessing the cloud, and security. It forms part of the Smart Cards and Embedded Security Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Smart_Cards_and_Embedded_Security).
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 28 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
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ABI Research
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KEYWORDS: United Kingdom United States Europe Asia Pacific North America New York
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Consumer Electronics Data Management Hardware Internet Networks Software Audio/Video Telecommunications Other Technology Security Mobile/Wireless
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