India Data Card Market shipments reached 1.60 Million units in CY Q1 2014, HUAWEI led the market-6Wresearch

Rising need for data usage among Indian consumers have opened tremendous opportunities for Indian Data Card market. The market witnessed significant increase in demand for 4G Data Cards over the past few quarters. During CY Q1 2014, 4G Data Cards registered a substantial growth of around 313% over the CY Q4 2013.

According to 6Wresearch, Indian Data Card Market shipments volume reached 1.60 Million units in CY Q1 2014, representing a marginal decline of 6% over CY Q4 2013. HUAWEI led the overall market. During CY Q1 2014, the CDMA segment registered a growth of around 18% whereas, the GSM segment registered a decrease of approximately16%.

 Source: 6Wresearch Quarterly India Data Card Market, CY Q1 2014

Key Highlights (CY Q1 2014)

1. HUAWEI led the overall Data Card market followed by ZTE in the CDMA segment and MICROMAX in the GSM segment.
2. Dongles with speed of 7.2 MBPS captured around 43% of the total market share.
3. 4G Data Cards registered 16% share of Indian Data Card market.

Currently, every household in India has around 3-4 gadgets and all of them requires internet connectivity. As a result, OEM’s are concentrating on WI-FI based Data Cards to cater to the multiple needs of consumers through one single device. Major players like HUAWEI, ZTE and MICROMAX have already launched WI-FI Data Cards. Other major players are also expected to enter Indian WI-FI Data Card market over the coming quarters. Additionally, the OEM’s are also focusing on the open Data Card market aiming to provide viable options for the Indian consumers.

Growing need for high speed internet has resulted in an increase in demand for features such as WI-FI and 4G. It is expected that 4G Data Cards would continue to grow and give intense competition to the 3G Data Card market. Increasing consumer awareness and initiatives like free WI-FI zone, availability of internet in public transport would further boost India Data Card market.