Wireless Riding a Wave of Success; Parks Associates' Latest Research Suggests That the Next Generation of Home Network Adopters Will Choose Wireless Technologies

Business Wire, Feb 18, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

Wireless solutions have enticed over one-half of future home networking adopters, according to Parks Associates' Broadband Access @ Home III. Specifically, more than 50% of Internet households interested in purchasing a home network in the next 12 months prefer a wireless networking solution, comprising over 1.5 million of the 3 million households likely to adopt home networking in 2003.

"Consumers have gained an appreciation of wireless connectivity through their use of cellular phones and cordless handsets," said Michael Greeson, senior analyst and director of broadband research for Parks Associates. "Although Ethernet was the first choice of early network adopters, wireless solutions will dominate the next wave of home networks. Freeing the PC from a tether is as natural as liberating the telephone from the wall jack."

Parks Associates estimates that by year-end 2003, more than 9.5 million households will have a home network deployed, with close to 2 million of these households using wireless networking technology. By 2006, more than 7 million U.S. households will have a home network with wireless technology.

Parks Associates' latest consumer study, Broadband Access @ Home III, is the largest long-form Internet survey conducted in the U.S. to date, with more than 10,500 Internet households participating. The study includes surveys of 4,500 narrowband and 6,000 broadband households and offers statistically significant samples for most residential services, including digital cable, satellite TV, Internet, home networking, Internet telephony, home security, home management, and many others.

For additional information about Parks Associates' Broadband Access @ Home III, please contact sales@parksassociates.com or call 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis to its clients 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(TM) (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.