News
Issue #2003 - 30 (November 2003)
(Updated Nov. 26, 2003)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

WiFi News This Week

1. Wi-Fi Market To reach $44 Billion in 2008
Insight Research’s analysis of the WiFi industry, WiFi in North America and Europe: Telecommunications’ Future 2003-2008, suggests that wireless LAN technology—increasingly popping up in public spaces such as airports and cafés, in private residences, and in businesses—will grow faster in Europe than North America. Worldwide WiFi revenues are expected to grow from $7 billion in 2003 to over $44 billion by 2008, at a compounded annual rate of 44 percent. 

“Some analysts believe that broadband access is driving the adoption of WiFi, while others contend that WiFi is driving broadband,” says Robert Rosenberg, Insight Research President. “Our analysis suggests that they drive each other in a complementary way—creating greater demand for broadband services across the board. We expect growth of European WiFi services to surpass North American service revenue well before the end of our forecast period,” Rosenberg explains. 

WiFi in North America and Europe: Telecommunications’ Future 2003-2008 examines the factors driving adoption of WiFi, equipment revenues, and service-related revenues. This industry research report forecasts revenues for North America and Europe by core network equipment, antennas, end-user devices, wireless Internet service providers (WISPs), traditional ISPs, fixed operators, and mobile operators. The growth of worldwide WiFi hotspots locations is also projected over the 5-year forecast period. 

(source of the above item - Insight Research Report on 3g.co.uk website) 

2. The world's first Wi-Fi-enabled lake
Dax Networks has completed an intriguing networking project: It has Wi-Fi-enabled the Dal lake, the premier lake in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the politically volatile region on the Indo-Pakistani border. With the completion of the project, local residents and tourists alike can access Internet while staying in house boats or sailing on smaller vessels. The only thing they will require is a Wi-Fi-capable laptop. Dax Networks intends to replicate this model in other parts of the India. It has already identified three more lakes for similar projects. The company foresees this unique segment developing into a lucrative niche.

Sources: Different, including 802.11 Report Newsletter

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: $44 billion Wi-Fi market is huge. The danger is in defining the market. Our guess is that they have counted everything in it - related directly and indirectly. Use appropriate caution in using this bullish number.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.