SCOTTSDALE, AZ, Jan. 3 - The cellular modem market had a breakout year in 2004, and prospects for the next five years are even brighter, according to In-Stat/MDR.

The market grew 167% last year, based on data from the first three quarters of 2004 and estimates of the final quarter of the year. By 2009, more than 14 million wireless modems will be shipped worldwide, up from slightly more than 2.5 million in 2004, the research firm said.

In-Stat credits high-speed wireless 3G networks, particularly UMTS networks in western Europe, and growing corporate demand for wireless data services in North America and Europe. Says analyst Ken Hyers, "As the rollout of high-speed wireless networks continues in both highly developed markets and in developing markets, the opportunities for cellular modem manufacturers to expand their sales will continue."

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TEMPE, AZ, Jan. 3 - Manufacturing growth accelerated in December, driven by a significant increase in the new orders. Production ticked down - its third straight decline - but backlogs firmed, said the Institute for Supply Management.

Manufacturing grew for the 19th consecutive month, ISM said, based on its monthly poll of the supply chain.

"This completes a strong year for manufacturing based on the ISM data, as the overall index averaged above 60% for 2004," ISM chairman Norbert Ore said. "While there is continuing upward pressure on prices, the rate of increase is slowing and definitely trending in the right direction."

The PMI measure of economic activity rose to 58.6%. New orders rose 5.9 points and production fell 0.1 point.

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BEIJING, Dec. 23 -- Connector production in China is soaring as local manufacturers will produce $2.1 billion worth -- 50 million -- of connectors this year, according to news reports.

Global Sources said this week that the connector market in China will rise to $3 billion next year, or about 60 million parts. There are 600 connector manufacturers in the country, the report said.

China makes up one-third of connector production worldwide.

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