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| DTH Services » Mobile Data Card |
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Mobile Data Cards |
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Mobile data cards that connect computers online through a wireless carrier's network are becoming a popular method of home Internet access. There are more than 13 million wireless data card and mobile data card users countrywide in the second quarter of this year.
An estimated 55 % of these cards were bought in the past 12 months, indicating rapid adoption. "Wireless carriers are in the relationship business, therefore it should come as no surprise to us that they find more and more ways to entrench themselves in the consumer experience
Mobile data cards are popular with business travelers. But it is their inroad into the personal and home Internet access markets that is worth watching. 43 percent of the mobile data cards are surveyed by the users.They most often use their data card at home, with another 15 percent reporting its use at work.
Also, 21% of those surveyed and responding said they used the card outdoors and 9 percent while commuting. Two out of five card users had cable broadband and 34 percent had DSL at home. However, 59% of the responding card users said they might exchange their Internet service provider for exclusive data card usage, indicating shaky loyalty and low switching costs for ISPs.
Consumers sign up for mobile data cards with a contract that is similar to their mobile phone service. They also acquire a subsidized card if when they sign up for a two-year mobile phone contract. All the most important wireless carriers offer mobile data cards only on a contract basis. Data card access without contracts could permit consumers to experiment with the service, but interest in contracted broadband access will far compensate the month-to-month alternative.
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