Worldwide WiFi-Enabled Mobile Phone 2009-2013 Forecast

This IDC study presents the five-year forecast for WiFi-enabled mobile phones, inclusive of converged mobile devices (commonly known as smartphones). It is part of IDC's continuing research with respect to mobile devices. Findings in this study are based on information gathered from both primary and secondary sources.

"After being relegated to the sidelines for years, WiFi-capable mobile phones are poised for sharp growth in the years ahead," says Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team. "Carriers, resistant to offer WiFi-capable mobile phones, have embraced WiFi services as potential revenue generators alongside voice and data services. This presents the right opportunity for handset vendors to bring more WiFi-capable mobile phones to market as key differentiators within their product portfolio. Still, not all mobile phones will enjoy WiFi; IDC expects converged mobile devices (commonly referred to as smartphones) to account for the vast majority of WiFi-capable mobile phones, while traditional mobile phones will represent a smaller, but nonetheless growing, proportion."