Parks Associates: More Consumers Are Cutting the Cord: Wireless Networks at Home Grow Rapidly

Wireless technology is now the driving force in the actual adoption of home networking, according to Parks Associates latest consumer research, which found that nearly two million households added wireless connectivity between late 2001 and early 2003. Wi-Fi® solutions are now found in as many as one-fourth of all households that have a data network.

More Consumers Are Cutting the Cord: Wireless Networks at Home Grow Rapidly

Growth between late 2001 and early 2003 attributed to growing use of laptops at home, falling prices of Wi-Fi® equipment, growing desire for mobile connectivity

Dallas, Texas May 20, 2003 -- Wireless technology is now the driving force in the actual adoption of home networking, according to Parks Associates latest consumer research, which found that nearly two million households added wireless connectivity between late 2001 and early 2003. Wi-Fi® solutions are now found in as many as one-fourth of all households that have a data network.

The popularity of wireless networks has provided a tremendous boost for home networking in general," said Kurt Scherf, vice president of research, noting that approximately ten million U.S. households now employ data networks. The rapid growth of laptop computers used inside and outside the home accounts in large part for the high numbers of wireless products purchased. In fact, it was among multiple-PC households with at least one laptop where penetration of home networks increased most rapidly in the last 18 months."

According to Parks Associates, nearly 30 million U.S. households will employ data networks by the end of 2007. Scherf said that wireless and hybrid solutions (bridging Ethernet, powerline, and/or wireless solutions) will be the predominant networking media, as end users will want to connect both computer platforms and multimedia networking products. Wireless nodes will account for 40% of all devices connected on data networks by the end of 2007, according to Parks Associates.

For additional information about Parks Associates home networking research, please contact Parks Associates at 972-490-1113 or at sales@parksassociates.com.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis on emerging residential, small office, and light commercial technologies. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions.

Its market expertise encompasses the full range of connected-home solutions, including home networks, digital entertainment, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Parks Associates also hosts two industry events, Forum and CONNECTIONS (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.