First the device; then the connection. That hits the (i)Spot.

Thursday, August 5th, 2010 Karen Ambrose Hickey, Editor

Yesterday’s announcement of Clearwire’s iSpot seemed to further push the device frenzy that makes 2010 the “Year of the Device.” According to IDC, the mobile device market is growing above market growth rates.

Clearwire seems to be hitting all the hot buttons for users – iPad! iPhone! EVO 4G! Unlimited bandwidth! “True” broadband speeds! Up to 8 devices! Download movies, music, files with abandon!

I should note that the iSpot is a souped-up MiFi, providing up to 8 devices for a monthly fee. I’m sure that some of those Wi-Fi-only, iPad users (who can afford to buy an iPad), will take a peek at the service plan, and those with 3G will have a brief bout of buyer’s remorse. (I saw it happen).

Consumers are consumed with devices. From the Sidecut Report:

“The interesting twist to the wholesale number from Q2 is that more than half (52 percent) of the new 4G customers live in markets where Clearwire’s services aren’t even yet available — meaning that people are either buying 4G products like the EVO simply because they like the device, or they are buying hybrid 3G/4G devices and using them for travel to WiMAX markets.”

Users are buying a device because they like it. They may buy a plan that they hadn’t planned on. Or try to visit one of the 49 cities with WiMAX services. And they will continue to demand bandwidth. EVO 4G users are already demonstrating this cycle of higher bandwidth usage.

And if Clearwire doesn’t open up to other devices, someone else will. It’s a buyers’ market right now. Stand back or get in line.

And, these are coming to an enterprise near you. Is IT ready to embrace the chaos?

Tags: 3G network, 4G network, Android, iPad, iPhone, MiFi, wi-fi access