Global - Mobile Broadband - Insights into Public WiFi in 2013

Telecoms Investment Research Note

Since smartphones and tablets have become the preferred device of most consumers, the traditional telcos have found themselves challenged by new services offered by companies outside the telco sector. There are no commercial free WiFi systems operated by carriers anywhere in the world, nor are there any economic viable subscription- or advertising-based systems run by them. At the same time other organisations (venues, transit authorities, etc) are starting to understand their role in this market and they can see the broader social and economic elements that can benefit their organisation. This report provides insights into Free Wifi and examines business models at a high level as well as broad trends, barriers and benefits.

Latest developments:

In 2013 there are over 800,000 public Wifi hotpots around the world; New innovative uses of WiFi are now spurring on developments; The deployment of WiFi is beginning to increase in larger business organisations.