Data cards and USB dongles market seen reaching $23.84 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global market for data cards and USB dongles is set to grow from $19.5 billion in 2025 to $23.84 billion by 2030, driven by 5G rollouts, remote work and mobile connectivity demand. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth.

Why it matters: - Data cards and USB dongles remain a key fallback for internet access where fixed broadband is limited. - The market is tied to wider shifts in mobile work, IoT connectivity and 5G adoption. - The growth outlook signals continued demand for portable connectivity as more devices need network access without built-in cellular capability.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Data Cards And USB Dongles Market Global Market Report 2026, covering market size, trends and forecasts for 2026-2035. - The report puts the market at $19.5 billion in 2025 and $20.26 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $23.84 billion by 2030. - North America held the largest market share in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period.

The details: - Data cards and USB dongles are compact wireless communication devices that connect computers and compatible devices to cellular mobile networks. - The devices use 3G, 4G and 5G networks to provide mobile broadband without fixed-line infrastructure. - The plug-and-play format supports portable internet access for consumers and enterprises. - Historical growth came from limited fixed broadband availability, wider smartphone and laptop use, expansion of 3G and 4G networks, remote work and stronger demand for mobile internet. - Future growth is linked to 5G rollouts, mobile-first workforce needs, IoT and machine-to-machine connectivity, flexible internet devices, and digital nomad and remote work habits. - The report says the market is projected to grow at a 3.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2026 and at a 4.1% CAGR through 2030. - The report highlights South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa as additional regions covered. - The 2026 report package includes market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technology analysis, future trend analysis and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - The market is benefiting from a basic connectivity need that stays relevant even as fixed and mobile networks improve. - 5G is not just creating demand for new devices. It is also extending access for existing hardware that cannot connect on its own. - The regional split suggests mature markets still drive scale, while faster infrastructure buildouts are shifting growth toward Asia-Pacific. - The report cites 5G Americas data showing 78.14 million global 4G LTE and 5G fixed wireless access connections in Q3 2025, up 27% year over year. - The same source said there were 379 commercial 5G networks worldwide by mid-November 2025, including 17 in North America, alongside 707 LTE networks globally.

What's next: - Wider 5G deployment and continued remote-work adoption are likely to support demand for portable connectivity devices. - Growth in IoT and machine-to-machine applications could broaden the use case beyond consumer internet access. - The report positions mobile-first connectivity tools as a continuing part of the broader network access market.

The bottom line: - Data cards and USB dongles are still a small but durable connectivity category, and 5G expansion is keeping the market on a steady growth path. - The full report is available here, and a free sample is available here.