Mobile broadband won't overtake fixed-line yet

Forrester Research says mobile broadband will become increasingly popular but it won't replace fixed-line broadband services in the near future. It says speed, coverage and monthly allowances will give fixed broadband an edge for several more years. Mobile broadband is expected to grow to 27% percent of all connections in Europe by the end of 2013, with fixed dropping to 67% (falling 21% in the next five years). 10% of users are expected to have both types of service. [Sources: Forrester.com; FierceWireless.com]

Mobile instant messaging to triple in six years

Instant messaging on mobiles is expected to grow from 8 % of mobile phone users in Europe (26.7 million subscribers) in 2007 to 24% (80 million subscribers) by 2013, according to a new report from Forrester Research. The company talked to 22,000 consumers across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Sweden and the UK are expected to lead the increase, with 31% of UK subscribers and 35% of Swedesh subscribers using mobile IM by 2013. [Press release]