Basically, Wi-Fi offers broadband wireless access to
the internet. Until recently, broadband access has been mostly
offered over the copper telephone network (mostly using ADSL
technology) or via cable TV networks with cable modems. Wi-Fi
offers a complementary approach, for anyone within range of a
so-called "hot spot," provided they have a suitably equipped laptop
or other web-enabled device.
Hotels are the leading Wi-Fi hot spot locations, but in recent
years, wireless data access has also been available on air, rail
and sea transport for commuters and business travellers.
Gartner’s survey of over 2,000 business travellers reveals that
only 25% of US and 17% of UK business travellers make use of these
Wi-Fi hot spots, despite their growing availability in transit and
inside transport terminals.
A solution seeking a problem?
According to the survey, respondents considered in-flight access
to the internet and email less of a priority than comforts such as
more personal space, bigger baggage allowance and better
entertainment. Switching off can be nice: 78% of US travellers and
75% of UK travellers said that they welcome the chance to be out of
contact for a while whilst in the air.
Even on the ground, 30% of US and 32% of UK travellers said that
they have no need to use Wi-Fi hot spots.
"Whilst Wi-Fi has come a long way, our survey shows that many
business travellers remain uncertain as to why they should use
Wi-Fi, what equipment they need, how they can connect and what they
will be charged," said Delia MacMillan, research vice-president at
Gartner. "If Wi-Fi providers really want to attract new customers
they must convince both end users and organisations of its
benefits."
Of those who did make use of hot spots, the respondents were
happiest with the speed of connection, ease of use and overall
value. They were least happy with the price of the services and the
limited availability of hot spots in useful locations.
"Many organisations will not reimburse their personnel for Wi-Fi
access charges, as these fees are often not covered by their
telecom contracts. If airlines can commit to lower prices then the
provision of Wi-Fi access could prove a key attraction to business
travellers," Ms MacMillan explained.
Financial issues overweighed worries about security in the
survey with only 16% of respondents in both countries expressing
concerns about security.
However, Gartner expects that the limited exposure to the
technology among business travellers could change as mobile devices
with built-in Wi-Fi radio antennas become more widespread.
Additionally, the firm predicts that by the end of 2005, half of
the laptop PCs in use will have Wi-Fi capabilities either built-in
or added using PC cards.
Given the opportunity to use in-flight connectivity, half of
those not currently using Wi-Fi said that they would be interested
in sending and receiving email, while 68% of US travellers and 57%
of UK travellers would be interested in accessing the internet for
purposes other than work.
On the ground, two-thirds of the respondents who do use hot
spots saw value in connecting to online services via Wi-Fi at least
once a day when travelling. "Many respondents currently connect to
Wi-Fi hot spots as a way to remain in touch with the office while
travelling and make use of 'dead' time when waiting for flights,"
said Ms MacMillan.
3G's challenge to Wi-Fi
According to Gartner, Wi-Fi technology will soon face serious
competition from 3G technologies, which may prove to be more cost
effective for users who need frequent access to data.
But while the firm acknowledges that pressure from mobile
operators who are trying to boost usage of 3G services will force
providers of Wi-Fi hot spots to cut their prices, for occasional
usage, hotspots are preferable to 3G.
"We are already seeing occasional travellers who don't need
frequent access to data finding hot spots more cost-effective than
a contractual commitment to 3G services. They are also able to find
hot spots in places where 3G coverage is unavailable or
unreliable," Ms MacMillan said.
Nevertheless, Gartner says that Wi-Fi has the potential to be an
attractive tool for both entertainment and work, and could prove to
be a good investment in terms of attracting business travellers and
become a beneficial differentiator for airlines in a competitive
travel market.
"Internet access is potentially much cheaper for airlines to
introduce than other items such as more personal space, bigger
baggage allowances or better entertainment," said Ms MacMillan.
"Hot spot providers need to encourage usage by ensuring adequate,
reliable connectivity and making it simpler for customers to
connect and pay."
