Majority of UK Wi-Fi Points Cannot Support Cellular VoIP
A new generation of 'dual mode' mobile handsets launched during 2006 prompted analysts to predict a sharp upturn in interest in the technology. ABI Research has forecasted that more than 330 million of these dual-mode Wi-Fi and cellular phones will be sold by 2011. The handsets, able to receive signals over wifi networks, will offer users cost-effective calls as well as additional wireless services. The convenience and cost savings offered by the technology may have it poised for tremendous growth, but for the application to truly become widespread it has to be as reliable as traditional fixed-line voice services, leading wireless assurance provider AirMagnet announced today.
Following recent analysis conducted in central London, the company is advising city centre wireless providers such as coffee shops, pubs and libraries to work with the industry to prepare for mass VoFi (wireless VoIP) usage. According to the survey, over a quarter (30%) of wireless-enabled locations are currently able to support simultaneous VoFi calls. However, this leaves the majority of hotspots in the UK unable to support the predicted take up of VoFi services, exposing users to patchy, failed or dropped calls.
Ian Schenkel, MD EMEA at AirMagnet, comments "VoFi has so much potential so it is imperative that on site service providers ensure that they are in a position to truly take advantage of the benefits the technology can offer. End-user frustrations at dropped or failed calls, dead spots, poor voice quality and choppy audio could prove fundamental to VoFi's take up unless these fundamental network issues are rectified. The underlying reason for this may be a lack of familiarity or understanding with the technology on the part of the coffee shop or pub offering the wireless connectivity. While conducting this survey not one member of on-site staff was able to advise us about their wireless network."
AirMagnet is keen to highlight the fact that current performance issues are far from insurmountable and the majority of problems identified during the recent survey would be relatively straightforward and inexpensive to resolve.
Schenkel continues "The solution for success is straightforward - in order to cope with the predicted onslaught of VoFi-enabled phones, on-site service providers must optimise wireless access points already installed as well as investing in additional access points where necessary to support additional traffic."
Posted to the site on 5th December 2006