Wi-Fi Wanted and Preferred by Smartphone Users, Says Devicescape

By Reporter Wireless and Mobile News on January 30, 2009 1:03 PM

A new report by Devicescape Wi-Fi by Decipher, Inc, Wi-Fi users have high expectations, like smartphones, and want Wi-Fi in their handsets.

Here's what the survey found:

An overwhelming number of Wi-Fi users expect Wi-Fi while on the road (91%).
Most respondents want citywide Wi-Fi (84%) and, surprisingly, many are willing to pay for it (56%) as they would a utility.
When traveling, the most-often used device for accessing Wi-Fi was the smartphone, such as an iPhone (vs.laptops).
The overwhelming majority of smartphone users (81%) prefer using Wi-Fi over 3G for browsing websites, downloading data, Google searches and sending e-mail.
86% of respondents want OEMs to build Wi-Fi into their handset.
82% of respondents want the service provider to provide an overall 3G/Wi-Fi data package.

"This data reflects the fact that people recognize that Wi-Fi - a technology they know and love on PCs and home entertainment systems - is also a great way to stay connected with their handsets," said Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "Wi-Fi delivers a terrific user experience for web surfing, downloading multimedia content, and doing voice calls, so it has become a must-have feature on all the coolest phones."

Industry trends parallel evolving consumer tastes towards 3G and Wi-Fi
With the overwhelming popularity of smartphones, carriers too are increasingly embracing Wi-Fi. Specifically, growing demand for streaming video, online gaming and daily downloads are putting a greater strain on carriers' 3G networks. However, this new-data intensive traffic can be offloaded from 3G to Wi-Fi networks -- a much less expensive alternative and faster technology. Service providers are now working closely with OEMs to build in Wi-Fi and, in turn, encourage users to take advantage of new Wi-Fi capabilities on their smartphones.

Challenges to growing Wi-Fi adoption
However, Wi-Fi on a smartphone is new territory for consumers, who often find it difficult to get and stay connected to a Wi-Fi network. With widespread customer adoption of Wi-Fi hanging in the balance, the need for easy setup and seamless connectivity is critical. Notably, the Devicescape Wi-Fi Report revealed that "complicated login screens" was the most common frustration consumers had when attempting to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Moreover, the vast majority (90%) of handset users want their service provider to allow them to roam between 3G and Wi-Fi networks seamlessly.

This is Devicescape's first report regarding consumer attitudes towards Wi-Fi and other high-bandwidth, wireless technologies. Devicescape will continue to deliver information about Wi-Fi usage and consumer behavior via The Devicescape Wi-Fi Report. Devicescape encourages the public to submit questions for future surveys by submitting them to: DevicescapeWi-FiReport@devicescape.com.

Devicescape Wi-Fi Report Methodology

Decipher Inc. surveyed more than 2,700 Wi-Fi users, representing a cross section of Devicescape's overall membership. The survey questions were developed by Devicescape, Trustive, DeFiMobile and industry pundits. Devicescape members include a wide array of both working professionals from a variety industries as well as students in both the U.S. and around the world.

With more than one million members, Devicescape is the leader in Easy Wi-Fi. The company has worked with original equipment manufacturers and service providers since its inception. Devicescape's Easy Wi-Fi enables anytime, anywhere, any network Wi-Fi access.