
ABI Research said that this represents a turnover equal to one third of the Wi-Fi market.
Stuart Carlaw, a director at the analyst firm, said: "Carriers are generally enthusiastic about femtocells but are struggling to get a working, comprehensive business plan in place.
"It is important to consider that, no matter how attractive the service offerings a femtocell-based solution can bring, the sheer savings from backhaul and energy costs could equate to over US$70bn by 2012.
"This will outshine service revenues and provide enough financial incentive for carriers to actively support this solution."
ABI Research also found that a third of consumers would be willing to spend a "considerable sum" on an upfront purchase of a femtocell just for the better in-home coverage it provides.
"This may contradict some of today's vociferous pressure from carriers on price erosion as a primary concern, and may suggest that there is room for a hybrid business model of up-front purchases with subscription fees," added Carlaw.