Wi-Fi initially realized the dream of

The wireless home, where every device shares an online connection, is going from hypothesis to reality. According to StrategyAnalytics research firm, 20% of broadband subscribers in Europe and the US have used Wi-Fi to support computers to communicate with other devices.

Photo: Circuitcity

Current wireless technology is similar to the Internet in 1998. At that time, computers became popular but new web and e-mail are gradually changing the way people communicate and shop. And when 98% of households still connected via dial-up, the telecommunications industry boldly invested billions of dollars to deploy broadband technology.

Today, 55% of families in the US can access high-speed networks. The European broadband market is also thriving thanks to reduced subscription rates along with an increase in new services, especially Internet TV (IPTV). In 2004, the number of households in this area used broadband was 15.4 million, and last year was 18.3 million households, most of them in Germany and England. Right now, the communications industry continues to prepare for another innovation: Internet connectivity on mobile phones and handheld devices with 3G technology, Wi-Fi and WiMax.

StrategyAnalytics considers that Wi-Fi technology is becoming the first choice among families. Wireless Internet is now no longer confined to computers, laptops, which have encroached on both mobile phones, gaming machines, PDAs and other entertainment systems. The output of Wi-Fi equipment has increased from 82 million in 2004 to 185 million in 2005.

The growth rate of Wi-Fi and broadband will not weaken in the near future, even reaching a very rapid saturation phase. StrategyAnalytics estimates that by 2010, more than 400 million Wi-Fi devices will be consumed and 108 million households in Western Europe (equivalent to 63% of the region's population) will use high-speed Internet.

Some analysts argue that the goal of a wireless home may not be necessary at this time, because the current trend in the telecommunications industry is the ability to access the Internet anytime, anywhere. Many service providers around the world have begun building broadband access points, known as hotspots in many areas. Last week, British telecommunications company BT announced it would set up hotspots in 12 domestic cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and London. Meanwhile, public business locations such as cafes, airports, railway stations, hotels . have long been very responsive in meeting wireless Internet needs for customers. The Google Maps tool even supports users to search for regional hotspots.

The British Orange service provider also points out many shortcomings of Wi-Fi as it fades away the gap between home and work. Once the wireless connection is expanded, it further narrows the real relationship between people and people. Although people can re-arrange daily life logically, such as spending time caring for children, going to the movies . but they will be less interested or not interested in meetings and chatting. in daily communication.

PT