Wi-Fi users are demanding access to information on the move in an increasing variety of locations according to research from T-Mobile UK and YouGov. When asked where they would like more public Wi-Fi HotSpots, more than half of respondents said that they want to be able to access Wi-Fi services on trains, with 37 percent calling for access at shopping centres. Nearly a third of respondents would like Wi-Fi access in parks, whilst over a quarter want access on the tube. Meanwhile, 13 percent of respondents would also like to be able to surf the net whilst soaking up the sun at the beach.
Hotels are the most popular choice of location for accessing Wi-Fi services, with 42 percent of respondents connecting here. Coffee shops were the second most popular with 32 percent and airports third with 29 percent.
The research also demonstrates that the uptake of Wi-Fi services has increased significantly over the last year, with people also using the service to stay on top of their personal lives in addition to business. 45 percent of users surveyed started using the service within the last 12 months, whilst a further 45 percent stated that they use the service to keep in touch with friends and family whilst on the move. As a result, 30 percent of respondents have benefited from an improved work/life balance.
Derek Williamson, Head of Business Marketing, T-Mobile UK says, "The business case for access to email, the Internet and company documents has long been established and it is always encouraging to see organisations reaping the rewards of mobile broadband services such as Wi-Fi HotSpots. But the research also clearly shows that such services need not be solely the domain of business. There is clear demand for personal use, there are clear examples of where people want to access such services, and here at T-Mobile we will continue to look at addressing these demands."
The ability to access information on demand was seen as the biggest benefit by 79 percent of respondents. Half stated Wi-Fi services had enabled effective use of deadtime, and 45 percent stated that Wi-Fi access enabled them to respond to clients more quickly. Keeping in contact with staff via Wi-Fi had proved particularly useful for 39 percent of respondents and 17 percent said it gives them a competitive edge. A further 14 percent felt that Wi-Fi services helped them to take advantage of new business opportunities.
Other key findings from the research include:
The research was commissioned by T-Mobile UK and undertaken by YouGov PLC. It was based on a study of 253 Wi-Fi users in the UK. The research was carried out online between 16th - 23rd August 2006."
Posted to the site on 2nd October 2006
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/19641.php