I need to open this blog with a brief confession. Ever since immersing myself in the topic of wifi and, more specifically, in understanding and analysing operator strategies and business models for wifi, I have argued that all operators will need to integrate wifi into a holistic traffic management strategy focused on sustainable and profitable mobile data growth. Whilst I believe we have clearly explained how wifi can and should play a complementary role for operators, I don’t believe we have sufficiently outlined the risks and threats to future operator business models. I would add though that this is very much not about scare-mongering, but much more about presenting a balanced perspective on future carrier wifi strategy.
The GSMA has announced a collaboration with the Wireless Broadband Alliance aimed at simplifying the process by which mobile devices connect to wifi networks. The joint initiative will see the SIM adopted as the principal means by which managed wifi networks identify mobile devices, paving the way for cross-network roaming agreements.
Spanish wifi hotspot provider Fon talks to Telecoms.com about its growing footprint – the firm is now the largest wifi community in the world, with five million hotspots worldwide – and its prospects for further growth in the coming twelve months. Fon’s head of sales, Carlos Gomez, also explains how the firm’s new EAB-enabled router promises to make wifi “as easy to use as cellular networks”.
Aidan Dillon, CTO and founder of Accuris Networks, talks to telecoms.com about the opportunities and challenges facing operators when using Wi-Fi to expand their network footprint.
The WBA expects the first NGH deployments to take place over the next 12 months and will be organising trials of more advanced technology features in second half of 2012.
Global public wifi hotspot numbers are set to grow from 1.3 million in 2011, to 5.8 million by 2015, marking a 350 per cent increase, according to research published by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), and compiled by Informa. The findings from the WBA, which is the industry association focused on driving next generation wifi, also revealed that more than half – 58 per cent – of operators believe wifi hotspots are either “very important” or “crucial” to their customers’ experience, in order to offload busy mobile broadband networks and to provide a value-added services.
Finnish handset vendor Nokia has teamed up with wifi network operator Spectrum Interactive and location based media firm Selective Media, to trial a free wifi offering on the streets of London, UK.
When Netflix decided to separate DVD delivery from its video streaming service, consumers rebelled. Many dropped both services and the company lost half its value on Wall Street. Trouble like this is commonplace for cable TV and satellite providers, which, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), both consistently rank low in customer satisfaction surveys.
UK mobile operator O2 is trialling a VoIP technology offering to a to select group of customers/ O2 Connect will allow smartphone users to use voice and text services over wifi networks from their normal mobile number to any UK mobile or landline number.
Having lived the first half of my adult life in the UK and the second half in Australia, it is little wonder that I have such a strong affinity with the underdog in a given situation, since both countries have cultures that root for the little guy to succeed over a bigger, stronger opponent.
A step in the right direction but does it go far enough?
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Over The Top providers have become the staple wildcard in almost any sector set on a collision path with mobile. By and large they are very good at what they do: connecting a user with their chosen content or service by whatever means available.
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