Taiwan market: Netbook sales through carriers decline in October 2009

Sales of netbooks bundled with 3G services in the Taiwan market dropped to 12,000-13,000 units in October from the monthly 15,000-16,000 units in July and August, according to market sources. The ratio of netbooks sold via bundles compared to retail sales declined to 40% in October, compared to around 50% in July and August.

The sources explained that July and August were the peak season and as the PC market has begun entering the slow season, netbook sales have seen a relative drop. In addition, complaints relayed via the Taiwan media that 3G services were slow due to bandwidth being shared by too many users, some consumers have held back their netbook purchases through 3G carriers.

Of Taiwan's top-four telecom carriers, Taiwan Mobile has enjoyed the best netbook sales, followed by Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) in second place.