More from Top10.co.uk

Wireless broadband technology 'enjoys strong 2009'

Posted 4th January 2010 at 4:32pm by Kimberley Howson

Kim user icon
Wireless broadband is at the height of popularity, it has been claimed

Consumer appetite for wireless broadband services is close to hitting a major high, it has been suggested.

As demand for internet access becomes increasingly essential for many homes and businesses, research has highlighted that 2009 saw the popularity of Wi-Fi hotspots become stronger than ever.

The study, published by In-Stat at the end of last year, predicted that the use of hotspots would rise by 47 per cent across 2009, with 245,000 hotspots established across the world.

Frank Dickson, an analyst for the research body, said Wi-Fi has "a renewed life force".

He added that the use of wireless technology has offloaded traffic from 3G networks, while the popularity of smartphones has also changed how hotspots are used.

Broadband provider BT confirmed in August that its wireless services are available to over 500,000 homes, businesses and city centres across the UK and Ireland.

The company operates hotspots in well-known hotel and coffee chains including Hilton and Starbucks.

More news on: Broadband coverage, Wireless broadband, Future developments

Add your comment

Please write a longer comment

Related stories

Broadband news

Top 10 Broadband is the UK's most popular broadband news site. Our team of qualified journalists research and write broadband news articles daily on a range of topics.

News is an integral part of our website and our researchers make it their priority to uncover and analyse developments in the UK broadband market on a daily basis.