Wi-Fi Likely Has A Bigger Future Than 3G
It’s funny that we’re still seeing 3G vs. Wi-Fi stories. For the most part we believe the technologies are complementary not competitive. However this article from Dow Jones Hong Kong makes an interesting case for Wi-Fi based cellular-like services in Asia. They point out that Asian wireline carriers have very aggressive hotspot roll out plans. Combine densely populated Asian cities, aggressive roll outs, and enhanced Wi-Fi technology and these wireless carriers could back into a business where they offer wireless broadband voice and data at extremely competitive rates. The same is probably possible in Europe, but much less likely given how much carriers have already committed to 3G spectrum. It’s even less likely in North America, beyond vertical applications, due to our low population density.
