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Business Use of Wi-Fi Hotspots Soars

Global roaming services have begun to revolutionise business processes with major increases in Wi-Fi hotspots and 3G global connectivity. Not surprisingly, the use of Wi-Fi and mobile 3G for internet access has grown steadily over the past few years, especially for business users. Increased connectivity means that businesses are no longer disadvantaged by being disconnected when out of the office. With Wi-Fi and 3G technology, employees are able to remain connected to their business at all times, no matter what their location. This ultimately saves money whilst allowing business users access to advanced features of the latest internet technology.

Author: Alter Sage

The upsurge of web users switching to global roaming and 3G voice and data gateway services has been an increasing trend in business practice. Smartphones, business travel, multiple branches and home access to work servers have become commonplace in most businesses and require dependable technology for smooth productivity.

Global Roaming for Business

Many companies require employees to travel on international business trips and rely on Wi-Fi hotspots for internet access. VoIP carrier services, advanced user features, smartphone technology and dependable services allow for optimum communication anywhere on the globe, charged at local rates.

The amount of time spent by employees working out of office has also increased, placing a greater demand upon Wi-Fi and 3G mobile technology. VoIP functions are supported by Wi-Fi and 3G, meaning that employees who are away from the office network are still able to access all VoIP features. This includes free calls between VoIP users and reduced calls to other sites, no line rental or heavy maintenance costs, voicemail, email, fax and complete control over call settings. The hosted VoIP telephone solution has helped to revolutionise business processes, allowing for better service production and business productivity.

Growing numbers of Wi-Fi hotspots

According to a study commissioned by a major provider of remote and mobile connectivity devices, the worldwide use of Wi-Fi hotspots has increased by 46% whilst the use of 3G data grew by 59% in 2008. The use of Wi-Fi technology in public locations tripled between 2007 and 2008. Europe overtook the US in terms of Wi-Fi usage. Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America saw steep rises in Wi-Fi use, especially in locations associated with commuting such as hotels, restaurants, airports and train stations. Three quarters of Wi-Fi sessions were recorded as taking place in aeroplanes, hotels and stations and other locations connected to inter-city travel.

3G mobile connectivity

Mobile and laptop users require global roaming services which are economical, user friendly and secure. 3G technology has begun to provide the necessary services and its popularity has grown as a result, especially in the US which experienced the highest increase from 2007 to 2008 which saw the use of 3G for business grow 59%.

Smartphones outwit costly mobile rates

Another important consideration is the introduction and increasing use of smartphones for business and personal use. Handsets like Blackberry and the iPhone rely on 3G technology and Wi-Fi functionality as heavily as laptops do, and with the increase in use of smartphones worldwide, an increase in 3G and Wi-Fi use is inevitable.

iPhone sales sky-rocketed by 123% in the first quarter of 2009 despite the financial difficulties caused by the current recession. The number of people able to make use of 3G technology and carrier services has risen from 35% to 53%. Mobile 3G has increased by 59% from 2007 to 2008 with mobile phones using an average data amount of 211MB per month.

Whilst 3G is popular for smartphones, most have Wi-Fi functionality coupled with Bluetooth technology and 3G. The increasing occurrence of dual support for 3G cellular networks and Wi-Fi hotspots has the possibility of lowering costs. High mobile tariffs have been prohibitive for customers and Wi-Fi functionality on smartphones has the potential to stall these inflating costs.

Global roaming technology has become indispensable to the workforce, allowing employees to stay connected and communicate with ease. The large growth trends in use of Wi-Fi and 3G for global roaming and massive spike in smartphone sales illustrates that consumer confidence has increased. Web users expect good connectivity for optimum operational performance and according to the increasing levels of 3G and Wi-Fi use; this is an indication that global roaming is widely considered the best option for lower costs, secure access and strong connectivity.

About the Author:

Inclarity offer voice and data carrier services for business in the UK including the iPass global network featuring worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Business Use of Wi-Fi Hotspots Soars