SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nokia, the leading market share vendor for dual-mode Wi-Fi handsets, has seen its market lead slip significantly over the past year, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). In 2Q08, Nokia had over 50% market share. This has dropped well over 10 share points as of 2Q09. Over that same time period, Apple has significantly increased market share, as did RIM.

Wi-Fi handset shipments have increased significantly over the past several years. From 2007 to 2008, shipments increased by over 50%. This growth is a result from increased phone functionality, falling price points, and carrier promotion.

"While the enterprise was the original smartphone/Wi-Fi handset market, Apple's iPhone has propelled consumer adoption," says Victoria Fodale, In-Stat analyst. "Wi-Fi's popularity as a compatible cellular technology is tied to its ability to improve the user experience and also help maintain the quality of the cellular network. A Wi-Fi-enabled cell phone allows for free access to data, and it improves performance."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Wi-Fi/cellular handsets are driving hotspot usage. For example, AT&T recently announced that sixty percent of all AT&T Wi-Fi connections in the third quarter of 2009 were made from smart phones and other integrated devices, up from 49 percent in the second quarter.
• The potential for voice over Wi-Fi is gaining popularity, as cellular/Wi-Fi phones become more pervasive and consumer familiarity with VoIP increases.
• The Wi-Fi attach rate (percent of handsets with embedded Wi-Fi) will more than double over the next two years.
• There were 121 models of cellular/Wi-Fi handsets introduced in the first half of 2009, almost as many as were introduced in all of 2008.

The research, "Wi-Fi in Mobile Phones: Dual Mode Becomes the In Thing" (#IN0904627WS), covers the worldwide market for Wi-Fi-enabled cellular handsets including:

• Examination of Wi-Fi handset technology and markets.
• Forecast of worldwide cellular handset units by wireless technology through 2013.
• Impact analysis & comparison of Wi-Fi in handsets vs 3G and 4G.
• Forecast of Wi-Fi handsets, including unit shipments and attach-rates.
• 2008 and 2009 quarterly market share analysis of leading manufacturers of handsets with Wi-Fi.
• Vendor and product profiles: Apple, HTC, LG, Nokia, Research In Motion (RIM), Samsung.

For a free sample of the report and more information, contact a sales representative:

http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

To purchase it, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=167

The price is $2,995.

About In-Stat

In-Stat's market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions.

For In-Stat

Victoria Fodale, 480-609-4509

Senior Analyst/Market Intelligence Manager

victoria.fodale@reedbusiness.com

Elaine Potter, 480-483-4441

Marketing Coordinator

epotter@reedbusiness.com

Source: In-Stat

<<Business Wire -- 11/03/2009>>