Wireless networking chipsets to grow at 23% a year

From 2004 to 2008, the market for wireless networking chipsets is expected to show an average annual growth rate of 23% in dollars and 35% in unit shipments, according to IC Insights. The 802.11 chip set portion of the total wireless networking market is forecast to grow from $680 mln in 2004 to $1.5 bln in 2008, a CAGR of 21%. The average annual unit growth rate for 802.11 chipsets during the same period is expected to reach 32%, as the average selling price (ASP) falls from $17 in 2004 to $12 in 2008. The Bluetooth chipset segment of the total wireless networking market is forecast to expand from $580 mln to $1.5 bln over the 2004-2008 time period. The ASP of a Bluetooth chipset in 2008 will be about one-fourth the price in 2002.