TORONTO-Bell Canada announced its official entry into the wireless local area network (WLAN) market, through partnerships with U.S.-based Cisco Systems and Symbol Technologies .
Using the 802.11b or Wi-Fi standard, Bell’s package of WLAN products can be used in hospitals, warehouses, universities, restaurants, hotels, airports and retailers to extend the reach of existing “wireline” networks.
Markham Stouffville Hospital is using a Wi-Fi network set up by Bell that enables nurses and doctors to access patient information through mobile terminals.
“It can be seen as the first step to providing full-blown roaming services in the future,” said Warren Chaisatien, an analyst with IDC Canada in Toronto. “I think the next step Bell will take is to jump on the hot spot bandwagon.”
Many carriers in North America are looking at ways to combine mobile and Wi-Fi networks to attract service revenues, conserve resources and reduce the need for expensive third-generation (3G) networks.
