Much of what we can expect to see this year will be the result of the impact of technology in the world’s developed markets and its subsequent acceptance in India. The Indian market seems set to leapfrog because of its potential and its ability to churn out in volumes.
p____p As WiFi got a mighty promotion with Intel’s launch of the Centrino and other vendors following suit, backed by a continuing multi-million dollar global campaign, the cost of access points continues to fall and wireless technologies to improve.
p____p Chips that combine access to WiFi and cellular networks are all set to create a new class of devices. And as most manufacturers and OEMs gear up to bring forth WiFi notebooks and cards, the action revolving around faster, better wireless networks will hopefully see the light of day.
p____p While Samsung, Zenith, Asus etc. have only recently introduced offerings to boost the growth of WiFi with its laptops and cards, WiFi communications cards for laptops are estimated to sell like hot cakes, while chip-makers indicate that virtually all communications microprocessors will have WiFi in them.
p____p Even though most industry observers characterize the WiFi growth to be rampant, significant technical challenges such as security, co-existence, portability/mobility etc will need to be duly addressed. Also issues related to roaming and interoperability with 2.5G and 3G wireless networks will have to be looked into.
p____p Despite the challenges, WiFi’s potential is enormous. If technical and business issues are sorted out, and if WiFi continues to grow, then the technology will be able to provide cost-effective broadband access to the masses. This can give a huge shot in the arm to the overall communications and IT industry.
p____p The benefits that WiFi can bring to rural communications is indeed immense. Cheap connectivity to villages, distance learning and education, broadband Internet connectivity and cable television, etc. will be realized in rural India through WiFi.
p____p The only worrisome issue, however, of unleashing WiFi into India’s communication sector would be that of opening up another set of huge bureaucratic ailments. After the forgettable debacle of the WLL as a “poor man’s mobile”, who can tell what fate awaits WiFi.