VoIP, Cable Gateways Help Blighted CPE Market, Says In-Stat

The recession contributed to 2008 having the slowest total global broadband customer premises equipment (CPE) market growth this decade of 2.4 percent, according to market research firm In-Stat. The firm predicts that 2009 will be even slower. However, cable gateways, wireless and VoIP routers, and wireless and VoIP DSL CPE units continued to grow in at least double digits. In addition, several segments of the broadband CPE market, including cable gateways, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) gateways, and Fixed Wireless Broadband (FWB) CPE are expected to grow considerably faster than the overall market over five years.

"Gigabit Ethernet, VoIP, the DSL Forum’s TR-69, and 802.11n are all drivers for CPE upgrades and replacements," said Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst in a statement.

The In-Stat report "Global Outlook for Broadband CPE Through 2013" found:

• The FTTH CPE segment, which includes ONTs and FTTH Gateways, will see a nearly 20 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2013.
• The majority of global FWB subscribers are now WiMAX.
• Asia/Pacific has the lead in FWB subscribers and CPE shipments, followed by Europe.
• In 2011, Asia/Pacific should capture over 50 percent share of the annual FWB CPE shipments.