OYSTER BAY, N.Y.-The Wi-Fi hot-spot industry will continue to grow, propelled by lower price points and standardized technology, according to market research firm ABI.
ABI predicts Wi-Fi access point suppliers will see a 50-percent increase in shipments to hot spots on a compound basis through 2008, with annual hot-spot access point shipments reaching 1 million by 2008.
However, despite the likelihood of rapid growth, the hot-spot industry is facing obstacles, including the need for interoperability among hot-spot locations and the need to acquire more users.
ABI believes selling bundled services from wireless operators could stimulate consumer interest. “There are some terrific opportunities for operators to start bundling services, offering consumers a more data-intensive usage model, as well as a more compelling package of benefits and value,” said Edward Rerisi, ABI’s director of research.
