There are certain calendar events that are guaranteed to impact broadband traffic levels.  In some cases, such as the “Ramadan Effect” identified on page 3 of our recent 2009 Global Broadband Phenomena, Internet traffic drops as a result of religious or cultural observance.  However, in a manner not unlike how post offices experience massive increases before Christmas and Mother’s Day, there are scheduled calendar events that lead to increases in over-all Internet traffic.  Sometimes, the increase is due to millions of people worldwide trying to stream sporting events like the World Cup or March Madness.  Other times, the increase is the result of millions of people unwrapping iPods and iTunes gift cards on Christmas Day. 

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Each year around January, the world waits in anticipation to see what big electronics companies have in store for the coming months in terms of the latest in computers, gadgets and home entertainment.  The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is akin to “Disney Land” for all gadget aficionados with  a handful of new solutions grabbing a predominate portion of the media’s attention.  This year the buzz centers on Google’s Nexus One, a new smart phone deemed by many as the “iPhone Killer” (doubtful it will knock iPhone off its perch – but we shall see).  Flying a bit under the radar at this year’s show yet gaining tremendous traction in the real-world marketplace are solutions for blending the Internet with television.

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