The use of wireless data technology is expected to skyrocket in the 21st Century, growing from 170 million to 1.3 billion users by 2004, according to Cahner's In-Stat Group, Scottsdale, AZ.

As a result, more than 1.5 billion handsets, personal digital assistants and Internet appliances are expected to be equipped with wireless capabilities by the end of 2004. The group predicts that messaging will be the primary driver of wireless adoption over the next few years, followed by features such as mobile commerce applications, entertainment, real-time financial information, travel and location-based information services.

To ensure that wireless data catches on as expected, however, In-Stat said that carriers must deploy new infrastructure and install new equipment to enable location-based services, high-level security, micro-payment options and detailed billing.