Mobile computing users are demanding, and actually,
expect
widely available Wi-Fi services and even express a keen
willingness to pay for them according to the findings of a survey
by Devicescape.
The Wi-Fi provider’s survey of 2,700
mobile computing users showed that 91% expect Wi-Fi whilst they
are working away from the office and a high number, 84%, want to
rely upon citywide Wi-Fi coverage.
As a clear indication of how valuable Wi-Fi is, nearly
three-fifths (56%) of Wi-Fi users express a readiness to pay for
such services. An overwhelming majority of users (81%) prefer using
Wi-Fi over 3G for browsing Web sites, downloading data, Google
searches and sending e-mail.
However a number of challenges exist for Wi-Fi services, most
notably a reported difficulty in achieving and maintaining
connection to a Wi-Fi network. ‘Complicated login screens’ was
cited as the most common frustration consumers had when attempting
to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Nine-tenths of users want their service provider to allow them
to roam between
3G and Wi-Fi networks seamlessly and 82% of respondents want
service providers to offer an overall 3G/Wi-Fi data package