Mobile Broadband Slows After Big Gains

Mobile broadband subscriber growth slowed dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2008 as consumers cut back on discretionary spending, according to new data from comScore. After six consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, the number of mobile broadband users slowed to 5% in the fourth quarter. That marked a steep drop from the 22% gain in the prior quarter. Adoption of PC mobile data cards has surged in the last two years, more than tripling in 2007 and 2008. "That said, we've observed a significant deceleration in subscriber growth during Q4 2008 coinciding with the economic downturn, an indication that mobile broadband service may still be seen by many as a luxury rather than a necessity," said Serge Matta, comScore senior vice president.