ABI Research predicts that the number of mobile broadband users worldwide will total 1.5 billion by 2015. And it appears that USB modem dongles may be the devices that usher in that growth as they are the most common data modems offered by mobile network operators today. ABI Research found that USB mobile dongles' ease of use and their easy portability make the devices popular. "They are easy to carry and flexible to use," according to the report, "so it is very convenient for users to maintain Internet access when they are away from home or office." In addition, the devices are becoming more versatile. For instance, Huawei's E583C device can be used as a portable hotspot and standard modem. Article