Mobile internet growth to balloon

The mobile internet device (MIB) market will see a massive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 167 per cent in the next five years, according to a research company.

MIDs are the new type of internet-connected products which feature "always-on" web browsing and voice communications, like VoIP phones.

ABI Research believes that their growth will be paralleled by the penetration of a number of wireless technologies which are vital to the functionality of MIDs, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and in the future ultra-wideband.

"All mobile internet devices will feature Wi-Fi from the start," said Douglas McEuen, ABI Research senior analyst.

"That is the essential form of wireless connectivity that no MID will be without.

"But in addition, ABI Research expects to see Bluetooth reach a 95 per cent penetration rate by the end of 2008."

The company also believes that some users will want a low-cost phone for convenience, on top of their MID, which will be larger.

But many will just want one device that can act as a phone too, which can be offered by a Bluetooth handset.