Wi-Fi hotspot usage surges by 47% in 2009, says In-Stat

THE MARKET for Wi-Fi hotspots is entering a revival period thanks to renewed interest from communication providers, and increased usage by both business and leisure users, according to In-Stat.In a report called Wi-Fi Hotspots: Cellular Handsets and Portable Devices Drive a Market Renaissance, the market research firm estimates that hotspot usage will increase in 2009 by 47%, bringing total worldwide connects to 1.2 billion. “A market that appeared to be languishing due to revenue shortcomings has found a renewed life force,” said In-Stat analyst Frank Dickson, in the press release. “Mobile operators have become increasingly involved in the hotspot market...