SCOTTSDALE:  Cellular connectivity is no longer just for mobile phones and laptops.  A number of portable entertainment devices (PEDs) now incorporate cellular connectivity, providing a growing revenue opportunity for network operators, content owners, and manufacturers, says In-Stat (www.in-stat.com).  There will be significant growth across all categories of 3G/4G-enabled PEDs over the next five years.  WCDMA will be the dominant enabling technology across the majority of shipments , with the exception of digital photo frames where GSM will be dominant.

“Standalone e-readers represent the brightest spot in 3G/4G-enabled PEDs with unit shipments expected to grow significantly across all regions over the next several years,” says Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst.  “North America will dominate compared to other regions capturing 64% of the worldwide 3G/4G e-reader market by 2014. Asia/Pacific will rank second in market share.”  Other PED products , such as digital photo frames and personal navigation devices will also incorporate cellular connectivity.