WI-FI CITIES GROW AS WIRELESS DEVICES BECOME LATEST ‘MUST-HAVE’ ACCESSORY
UK consumers’ increasing preference for laptops over desktops is helping to drive a rapid expansion of wireless networks in cities UK-wide. With it comes a growing demand for broadband services and innovative online applications, content and VoIP services accessible on the move.
According to market commentators IDC*, the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) saw a significant jump in the purchase of laptops in Q3 of 2007 against declining sales of desk-based PCs. Their findings provide clear evidence of the laptop’s evolution to become the ‘must-have’ accessory for all, following in the footsteps of the mobile phone.
NO LONGER JUST FOR ROAD WARRIORS
Keeping pace with this trend, the wi-fi zones that were once the preserve of the business user, are now fast extending seamlessly across public spaces. Allowing users access to all their applications and online information: using their choice of wi-fi enabled device. And choice there definitely is, for most of the new generation of smartphones and other handheld devices are now fully wi-fi enabled.
Media and content owners, such as the BBC, are also recognising and capitalising on the technology’s potential as a way to extend their reach far beyond the home and their traditional delivery channels.
ONE BIG WIRELESS NETWORK?
In 2004, BT began working with Westminster City Council on a pilot scheme to develop the first wireless cities network.
Over the following three years this trial has been extended to include 11 other major conurbations. They include the Scottish and Welsh capitals as well as Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Sheffield. Other wi-fi-enabled cities will be rolled out by BT in the next year, and of course there are other operators also providing network coverage.
This is creating an environment where local residents and businesses will naturally be looking to their Communications and Broadband Service Providers for the means to connect for online information, entertainment, emails and VoIP calls wherever they go.
Indeed, it seems likely that providing an integrated wi-fi service on a single account will become an increasingly important aspect of most providers’ broadband proposition. Fixed line only broadband accounts may no longer be the standard package for consumers and some businesses.
* Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker (October 2007)
READ BETWEEN THE LINES
BT Wholesale offers a comprehensive choice of fully managed solutions to help you maximise the new revenue generation opportunities offered by the expanding number of wi-fi cities and growing mass market interest in on-the-move communications.
If you are thinking about moving into the broadband market as your starting point, BT BroadbandScope can provide you with fast and cost-effective entry. It’s a totally managed, end-to-end broadband service that you can tailor to your own business model and customers’ needs without having to build or run your own infrastructure or operation. A broad range of service options include broadband speeds of up to 8MB, modem and router supply, customer service helpdesks and email access and hosting.
You can also enhance your broadband service portfolio – and gain market differentiation – with the addition of VoIP calls. Our BT Club Complete service provides you with the ability to offer your consumer customers a simple, high-quality and versatile ‘voice over broadband’ service. They have the option of using their own standard phone or PC when at home and their laptop when they are out and about.
In addition to providing your customers with network access in the wi-fi cities, you have considerable potential for market development in other locations through Wholesale Openzone. This white label product, managed end-to-end, enables you to offer internet access at thousands of prime UK hotspots ranging from airport lounges, motorway service stations and restaurants to hotels and conference centres.