Wifi Revolution

The survey, conducted by Decipher, Inc. and sponsored by Devicescape, Intel (News - Alert) and Meraki is said to have queried a cross-section of Devicescape's members, a group that includes a variety of professionals and students.

Reportedly, the Devicescape Wi-Fi Report has indicated an overwhelming number of respondents (96 percent) expect device manufacturers to build Wi-Fi into devices such as cell phones, digital cameras and portable gaming devices. Nearly 93 percent of respondents are said to have stated that they will make a buying decision based on built-in Wi-Fi.

Moreover, the report also mentioned that 90 percent of respondents make hotel and travel decisions based on the availability of Wi-Fi, and 96 percent expect it to be free. Approximately 72 percent of respondents are stated to have expressed to become tenants at apartment complexes that offer free Wi-Fi.

Also, 84 percent of users is said to have insisted on hassle-free access to Wi-Fi, meaning no PIN or password and 85 percent of people want their device to automatically switch between Wi-Fi and 3G networks based on what is best for the application.

The Debicescape Wi-Fi report also indicated that nearly about 53 percent of the respondents wish to only have free Wi-Fi.

The report has clearly highlighted that 98 percent of respondents log onto Wi-Fi daily; 57 percent of those log on more than five times a day. Additionally, they are willing to share their own networks if there is reciprocity, especially if there is some form of rating system in place.

"The smartphone and other intelligent devices have changed the game for device manufacturers and service providers alike. The volume of content downloaded, uploaded or streamed is increasing dramatically, as are demands for services like remote technical support," said John Tennant, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Intel Corporation.

"Consequently, consumers are demanding easy and immediate access to Wi-Fi networks. We can only expect this demand to intensify as more and more services are developed and delivered," added Tennant.

The survey findings also yielded insight into interesting new trends. From choosing next-generation consumer devices to what hotel to stay at and even what apartment complex to become a tenant, Wi-Fi drives purchasing decisions, said the company official.

"Whether for work, home, or travel, people demand Wi-Fi and are willing to make purchase decisions based on the availability of Wi-Fi," said Sanjit Biswas (News - Alert), chief executive officer at Meraki.

"We see the Devicescape Wi-Fi Report as an invaluable tool to gather vital information from the most important people in the market -- the Wi-Fi user base itself," said Dave Fraser, chief executive officer at Devicescape.

"By tapping into the opinions and usage habits of the Wi-Fi user base, we can help address critical issues and move toward a better Wi-Fi experience."