PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 2059981
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 2059981
Data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles are portable wireless connectivity devices that provide internet access to computers and other compatible devices by connecting to cellular mobile networks. These devices operate using technologies such as 3G, 4G, and 5G to deliver mobile broadband services, enabling users to access the internet without reliance on fixed-line connections. They support plug-and-play operation, improving mobility and flexible internet connectivity for both personal and enterprise applications.
The primary product categories of data cards and USB dongles include USB modems or dongles, data cards, wireless adapters, and portable broadband devices. USB modems or dongles refer to compact plug-in devices that provide internet connectivity to computers and other systems by converting cellular or broadband signals into digital internet access through USB interfaces. The network technologies encompass mobile communication standards such as 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G, supported by multi-channel distribution networks including telecom operators (MNOs), online or e-commerce platforms, retail or specialty stores, and direct sales (B2B). These solutions are applied across personal internet usage, enterprise connectivity, IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and backup connectivity, serving primary end users such as individual consumers, enterprise or corporate users, and government and public sector organizations.
Tariffs are affecting the data cards and USB dongles market by substantially raising the cost of imported semiconductors, communication chipsets, network modules, and electronic components, which in turn increases manufacturing, procurement, and end-user prices across the value chain.This impact is most evident in hardware-intensive segments such as USB modems or dongles, wireless adapters, and portable broadband devices, especially for advanced 4G or long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G technologies, with regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe being highly impacted due to their strong reliance on global electronics and semiconductor supply networks.As a result, telecom operators, enterprises, and individual consumers are facing higher device costs, reduced profit margins, and slower uptake of high-speed connectivity solutions across use cases such as personal internet access, business connectivity, and internet of things (IoT) communication.However, tariffs are also generating positive momentum by promoting localized manufacturing and assembly, encouraging strategic diversification of suppliers, and speeding up innovation in cost-effective, compact, and multi-band connectivity devices, ultimately enhancing regional supply chain resilience and long-term market stability.
The data cards and usb dongles market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides data cards and usb dongles market statistics, including data cards and usb dongles industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a data cards and usb dongles market share, detailed data cards and usb dongles market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the data cards and usb dongles industry. This data cards and usb dongles market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The data cards and usb dongles market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $19.5 billion in 2025 to $20.26 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to limited fixed broadband penetration, rising smartphone and laptop adoption, expansion of 3g and 4g networks, increasing remote work adoption, growth in mobile internet demand.
The data cards and usb dongles market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $23.84 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rapid 5g network rollout expansion, increasing demand for mobile-first workforce solutions, growth in iot and machine to machine connectivity, rising demand for flexible internet access devices, expansion of digital nomad and remote working culture. Major trends in the forecast period include 5g enabled mobile broadband expansion, portable plug and play connectivity solutions growth, enterprise mobile workforce connectivity demand, affordable low cost data card and dongle adoption, iot and m2m enabled cellular connectivity devices.
The expansion of 5G network infrastructure is expected to propel the growth of the data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles market going forward. 5G network infrastructure refers to the complete system of hardware, software, and network components that enable the deployment and operation of fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication networks. The expansion of 5G network infrastructure is driven by the rapid increase in mobile data consumption, as rising demand for high-speed streaming, cloud services, and digital content requires faster and more efficient network capabilities. Data cards and USB dongles support 5G infrastructure by enabling non-5G devices to access high-speed networks, driving wider adoption and usage. For instance, in December 2025, according to the 5G Americas, a US-based trade association, by Q3 2025, global 4G LTE and 5G fixed wireless access connections reached 78.14 million, growing 27% year over year, while by November 15, 2025, there were 379 commercial 5G networks worldwide, including 17 in North America, alongside 707 LTE networks globally. Therefore, the expansion of 5G network infrastructure is driving the growth of the data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles market.
Key companies operating in the data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles market are increasingly focusing on developing integrated 5G SoC-based solutions, such as system-on-chip dongles, to deliver high-speed connectivity, enhanced processing capabilities, and compact, cost-efficient designs while enabling advanced applications and seamless global deployment. System-on-chip (SoC) dongles are compact plug-and-play devices that integrate processing, connectivity, and operating system functions into a single chip, enabling them to deliver high-speed internet while independently running applications and managing data. For instance, in March 2026, Fibocom Wireless Inc., a China-based Communications equipment company, introduced a new 5G SoC dongle solution, focusing on integrated, cost-effective connectivity for global markets. The solution combines 5G communication, an Android-based operating system, and eSIM/vSIM capabilities into a single SoC architecture, enhancing efficiency and reducing hardware complexity. Powered by an octa-core CPU and advanced GPU, it supports high-speed data processing and up to 2.5Gbps download speeds. The dongle enables customizable applications like VPNs and remote management while supporting global frequency bands. Its compact, durable design targets diverse use cases, including industrial backup, remote healthcare, and mobile broadband, promoting scalable and intelligent connectivity solutions.
In January 2023, Semtech Corporation, a US-based provider of high-performance semiconductors, IoT systems, and cloud connectivity services, purchased Sierra Wireless Inc. for $1.2 billion. With this acquisition, Semtech seeks to broaden its IoT capabilities by combining ultra-low power LoRa connectivity with high-bandwidth cellular technologies to deliver a comprehensive cloud-to-chip IoT platform and reinforce its position in high-growth connected device markets. Sierra Wireless Inc. is a Canada-based provider of cellular IoT modules, gateways, connectivity services, as well as data cards and USB dongles.
Major companies operating in the data cards and usb dongles market are Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., ZTE Corporation, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., NETGEAR Inc., TP-Link Technologies Co. Ltd., D-Link Corporation, Belkin International Inc., Ubiquiti Inc., Zyxel Communications Corp., Tenda Technology Inc., Linksys Holdings Inc., TRENDnet Inc., Edimax Technology Co. Ltd., Sierra Wireless Inc., Quectel Wireless Solutions Co. Ltd., Fibocom Wireless Inc., Telit Cinterion, u-blox AG, Digi International Inc., NetComm Wireless Limited.
North America was the largest region in the data cards and USB dongles market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the data cards and usb dongles market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the data cards and usb dongles market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as mobile data access, device provisioning, network compatibility optimization, and installation support. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The data cards and universal serial bus (USB) dongles market also includes sales of universal serial bus (USB) modems, data cards, wireless adapters, and portable broadband devices. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including telecom operators, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Data Cards And USB Dongles Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses data cards and usb dongles market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for data cards and usb dongles ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The data cards and usb dongles market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
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