In a move that positions wireless Lans as a possible alternative to
high-speed 3G mobile networks, Hewlett-Packard has announced an
initiative to develop a worldwide infrastructure of wireless Lan
"hotspots", writes Antony Adshead.
Hotspots are access points set up in places such as airports,
hotels, restaurants and other public spaces where a user equipped
with an 802.11b wireless card can gain access to the Internet. With
a bandwidth of up to 11mbps, users can run almost any application
they would use if connected to a fixed network.
While HP's move is designed to stimulate take-up of its notebooks
and iPaq Pocket PCs, it also adds weight to an approach that may
steal some of the thunder from the much-vaunted 3G mobile telecoms
revolution.
According to research group Analysys, the number of wireless Lan
hotspots in public venues will reach 41,000, with 21 million users,
by 2007. In contrast, 3G networks have yet to be rolled out and
when they finally arrive from 2003 onwards device size, which
determines processing power and usability, will limit the
applications available to business users.
Ranjit Atal, an analyst at Gartner Dataquest, said, "This use of
wireless Lans is a concern to the telcos - that is why we are
seeing them getting involved. There are opportunities for wireless
Lans [to gain acceptance] while 3G is stalled. Enterprises need to
integrate their use into their working practices and become used to
using them - they could be a stepping stone, enabling users to get
used to what high-speed mobile services can offer."
HP's move follows recent announcements that IBM and Nokia plan to
collaborate on a similar project and BT plans a UK network of
wireless Lan hotspots.
HP is supporting its strategy with services including wireless Lan
implementation; subscription services through partners that want to
offer public wireless access services to customers; and software
for billing, access and network management.