Two conflicting reports from research firms on the development of WiFi. Gartner in a recently published report projects the number of hotspot users this year to grow to 9.3 million users while the number of public WLAN hotspot worldwide to grow to more than 71,000 in 2003 from about 1,200 in 2001. However, according to them, this will NOT be able to cater user needs. They also project the number to swell above 151,768 in 2005.
The Economist on the other hand analyses the gartner report and cook up their own analysis, comparing the popularity of Wifi to the internet boom in the late 90s. The article can be found here.
For me it all boils down to the dollars and cents. The providers should keep the subscription rate low to attract end users and have various plans or programs for the end users to choose. Besides WLAN cards being offered for rent at cafes, providers should also look into providing the PCs or network stations as well for users who dont have the luxury to own a notebook or a PDA. Not to turn coffee-shops into cyber cafes, but just to give end users the freedom to choose.
Then again, the pricing have to be right.
Jumping into the hotspon bandwagon is Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which plans to install WLAN onboard long haul flights. Together with Japan Airlines and British Airways they follow the footsteps of German's Lufhansa in providing in-flight internet access using Boeing's Connexion.
But WLAN providers should also think about the feasibility of putting hotspots and not blindly jump into the bandwagon. Not all places are suitable. For example Cesky Telekom in Czech Republic plans to install hotspots at KFC restaurants around Prague.
While on the surface this looked like a brilliant opportunity, i dont think my laptop or PDA would be all too happy after a round of finger lickin' good.
By the way, anybody participating in the Worldwide WarDrive here in KL?
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