3G subscribers will double over next five years, with global 3G+ tablet sales to exceed 68 million by 2015

Parks Associates forecasts more than 68 million of the 126 million tablets sold worldwide in 2015 will have 3G or greater technology. The research firm's latest report Mobile Broadband & Mobile Computing Devices shows 29% of the 16.5 million tablets sold in 2010 featured embedded 3G technology, while tablets with 3G/4G technology will account for over one-half of all tablets sold in 2015.

Consumer demand for mobile data will increase further as carriers continue to deploy 3G and 4G networks around the world, enabling better user experiences and opening new markets to reliable mobile Internet access. 3G subscribers will double over the next five years to account for 47% of total mobile subscribers in 2015, with an additional 5% of mobile subscribers receiving 4G service. The ability to turn this growing data usage into revenue will be the key challenge for carriers going forward.

Carriers need to optimize network performance, be selective about subsidizing mobile platforms, and monetize Wi-Fi assets in order to stay profitable. Additionally, carriers need to offer more pricing options with flexible rules to fit consumers’ access needs.

Comcast Introduces Xfinity Signature Support

Comcast Corporation recently announced the launch of a new 24x7 technical support and equipment protection program for the growing number of home electronics devices – like laptops, home networking equipment, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi enabled smart phones and tablets – people are connecting to Comcast’s services. Called Xfinity Signature Support, this service offers customers a single source for troubleshooting and support for their computers, home networks and many other devices and is another step in the company’s focus on delivering an end-to-end exceptional customer experience backed by the Comcast Customer Guarantee.

The new offering enables customers to select an enhanced level of technical support with monthly subscription plans and one-time support options and is offered in addition to the 24x7 support Comcast already provides for its video, high-speed Internet and phone services.

According to a 2010 survey by Parks Associates, more than 50 percent of Americans with Internet service look to their broadband provider as their first or second choice in solving their home computer-related technical issues. Additionally, 75 percent of those surveyed prefer to receive all of their technical support services from a single vendor.

With Xfinity Signature Support, Comcast customers will have access to knowledgeable and experienced IT specialists who can provide supplementary technical support online, over the phone or in the home. Assistance is available either as part of a monthly subscription plan or on a stand-alone basis for one-time fixes, such as virus removal or connecting printers or game consoles to wireless networks. Xfinity Signature Support also offers extended equipment plans covering computers and flat-panel TVs.

For more information, please visit www.xfinity.com/signaturesupport.

Nintendo® Plans new 3D Super Mario Game, Announces AT&T, Netflix Collaborations

Nintendo is getting ready to launch a new Super Mario 3D game for its Nintendo 3DS portable system. Not only are they going to be announcing this new game, but they are also going to be announcing two upcoming collaborations. The first will be with AT&T, that will allow game users access to over 10,000 Wi-Fi Hot Spots. While some consumers will be enjoying the wireless connection, Netflix members can also enjoy streaming both movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems.

Nintendo 3DS is scheduled to launch, in the U.S., on March 27. It will be retailing for a suggested price of $249.99. One of its most interesting features is that it gives users the ability to view 3D content without the need for special 3D glasses. The new Super Mario 3DS game will feature the traditional Mario™, and is expected to bring true depth and distance to the game experience. This new game was created by the same team that created Super Mario Galaxy™ and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii ™.

Nintendo plans to provide their 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop, allowing users access to additional features. This update feature will be provided to users at the end of May. It will also provide solutions for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to the new Nintendo 3DS systems.

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