An overwhelming majority of smartphone and tablet users say Wi-Fi connectivity is very important, according to a new survey from Devicescape, which works with device manufacturers and service providers to enable easy Wi-Fi connectivity. Devicescape has seen its Virtual Wi-Fi Network grow by 74% from last quarter, as the company now counts more than four million hotspots around the world. Mobile operators leverage Devicescape's Virtual Wi-Fi Network to extend their network and allow for data offloading from cellular to Wi-Fi.
The survey queried 1,040 Devicescape users, a cross-section that includes a variety of professionals and students. Some key findings include:
- Almost 82 percent of respondents say that Wi-Fi is very important when it comes to using a smartphone or tablet.
- Wi-Fi takes the lead over cellular networks, with 88 percent of respondents agreeing that rich media such as video runs much faster on Wi-Fi.
- A staggering 82.9 percent of respondents expect their service provider to provide them with a bundled Wi-Fi network service.
- Twenty-six percent of respondents are not aware that many service providers are data capping smartphone plans.
- Wi-Fi hotspots are clearly in demand, with 78.7 percent of respondents relying on Wi-Fi hotspots for connectivity needs while roaming.
- Most consumers (58 percent) are indifferent to who provides their Wi-Fi service. But for those who are loyal to their Wi-Fi provider, it is mostly due to the number of access points available. Whether their brand has an international footprint proved to be inconsequential in comparison.
"Wi-Fi has the ability to take our mobile society into the future — benefiting both operators and consumers by its inherent ability to help keep performance issues and high operational costs at bay," said Dave Fraser, CEO of Devicescape. "It's exciting to watch Wi-Fi's growth and popularity reflected in the pervasiveness of our Virtual Wi-Fi Network." http://www.devicescape.com
