The incredible popularity of media tablets is leading to increased uptake of mobile broadband services, it has been reported.

According to a new report from IHS iSuppli Wireless Communications, tablet shipments are on course to increase by 239 per cent during 2011.

And this surge in demand for iPads and related touch-screen devices has seen the number of mobile broadband deal subscriptions rise by 57.8 per cent.

IHS claimed that shipments of mobile broadband devices – such as tablets - are expected to grow to 157.9 million units this year, up from 100.1 million units.

Further growth is expected in the mobile broadband market next year, with a 38.1 per cent expansion expected in 2012.

By 2015, the firm expects 350.7 million units to be sold – with tablet broadband deals very much at the centre of the consumer IT experience.

The Apple iPad 2 remains the global market leader, with millions of the firm's second-generation media tablets being purchased since the product was launched in April 2011.