Broadband internet access in cars and light vehicles could become a possibility in the future, it has been claimed.

IMS Research highlighted how such an event was once considered likely to occur as home and office broadband became more common.

Although internet connections in cars are rare around the world at the moment, the report argued that this could change.

The research firm has predicted that the number of new vehicles with internet access will grow from 1.1 million (recorded last year) to six million by 2017.

It is believed that the rise of mobile communications and technology will contribute to this increase.

"One of the most prominent trends in mobile communications in the last three years has been consumers downloading software applications to cell phones that have internet access. The massive popularity of this has caused those in the automotive industry to consider the viability of apps for use in the vehicle," the study suggested.

"Apps that have already been developed include weather reports for your destination and having your emails read aloud to you while driving."

IMS Research said that the use of apps in vehicles will grow exponentially and the market may be worth as much as $4 billion (£2.5 billion) over the next seven years.

"Many vehicle manufacturers have conducted their own research showing that in-vehicle internet would be a very popular feature," the study concluded.

"The ability to access the internet would strongly encourage many customers to purchase a particular vehicle."
 

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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