Consumers Slow To Pick Up Wi-Fi Services

As reported on BBC, a study has found that most people are not taking advantage of the freedom offered by laptops with wi-fi built-in.

There are over 10,000 wi-fi hotspots in the UK but not everyone is aware of them.

The survey found that 15% thought there were not enough wireless locations for them to use the technology. Just 11% used laptops in hotels, 7% on trains and 3% in coffee shops, compared to 55% who used them mostly at home.

From these statistics it appears many consumers are missing out on the opportunities provided by the commercial Wi-Fi services and are available in places such as Internet cafes, coffee houses and airports around the world.

According to Wi-Fi Hotspots Directory, Singapore has 619 Wi-Fi locations in the city with another 63 in the Changi International Airport.

Wi-Fi is compatible with gaming consoles and handhelds, allowing online games that can be played at any access point.

The presenent trend is to treat wireless internet affordable to all. Where traditional wired broadband networks required massive investment, new technology means wireless networks can provide similar levels of service, at a fraction of the cost. With this, there are already fears that the rise of Voice Over Internet Protocol (Voip) calling - where net-connected computers can make cheap phone calls - will damage profits.

Although the free Wi_Fi services have not picked up dramatic growth as yet , it is an unavoidable first step reaching out to consumers at all economic levels just like the what the mobile phone has done. So, this is the time to brace for new opportunities to enhance the quality of personal life , increase business and commerce, and entertainment including gaming that is bound to revolutionize a new social behaviour.