Internet Radio – Broadband / Wi-Fi
As broadband connections continue to increase, internet radio is becoming a huge global market opportunity. Already, one in four of the USA's population listen regularly to internet radio.

The experience of developed countries illustrates what happens when rich, diverse content of internet radio is easily accessible. The media audience researcher Bridge Ratings estimates that by the end of 2007, one in three (33%) of the USA's population will listen monthly to internet radio jumping to 40% by the end of 2008. Currently the weekly Internet radio audience is estimated at 60 million.

These figures are driven by the massive penetration of broadband internet connections in developed countries. There are almost a quarter of a billion connections already installed worldwide, and this base is growing at around 36% annually. World broadband Statistics Q2 2006, published by Point Topic

As the number of Wi-Fi (wireless broadband) connections grow, so too do the possibilities of where they can be placed. No longer do they have to be in fixed locations such as homes, offices, coffee shops or libraries; planes, trains and automobiles are turning into wireless Internet access points. WiMAX, a new technology enabling the delivery of wireless broadband access, is expected to further accelerate adoption.

Industry analysts predict that by 2009:

• 40% of MP3 / PMP (portable media players) will have Wi-Fi internet radio
• 50% of DAB (digital audio broadcasting) and satellite radios will have Wi-Fi internet radio
• 30% of home hi-fi systems will have Wi-Fi internet radio

Cell phones
Cell phones are emerging as a legitimate entertainment device as more and more specialized services become available, price reductions emerge and equipment ease-of-use improves.

Mobile entertainment consumption is now experiencing a rapid increase in the United States. 36 percent of Americans tap their cellphones for entertainment-related activities, a jump of 24 percent over figures reported just 8 months ago.

Of that group, 62 percent of Millennials (aged 13-24) used their phones for entertainment. And Generation Xers (25-41) showed a 47 percent figure, a significant bump from 29 percent in an earlier report. Projections for mobile phone audio audience size by 2015 could reach 40 million. From Deloitte & Touche

Automobile
Automotive companies are seeing demand for Internet-capable in-car systems and are moving forward with plans to install internet-capable boxes in 2007 and 2008 models. Though initial exposure to this technology will be focused on new cars coming out of Detroit and Japan, plans are unfolding rapidly for after-market installations. This out-of-home and office use coupled with already significant use numbers at home and office are exerting upward pressure on growth for Internet radio listening.