Why WiFi HotSpots Make Sense for Smartphone Users

By: iPass Inc. Click author's name for more of his/her articles

One of the most important developments in smartphone evolution is the growing support for both wide area 3G cellular networks and local Wi-Fi hotspots. This provides tremendous flexibility to users, and potentially significant cost savings to the enterprise. There are five cost-saving reasons why enterprises should take a serious look at promoting the use of Wi-Fi on smartphones:

1. Wi-Fi can offload 3G data use. Picking up the tab for users' 3G cellular plans can be a significant expense. Using Wi-Fi when it's available - especially with the explosive growth of free Wi-Fi - can offload megabytes from users' 3G plans, reducing the costs to the enterprise while supporting users on their preferred mobility platform.

2. Wi-Fi can eliminate exorbitant 3G international roaming fees. International travelers who use their smartphones abroad can easily rack up hundreds and even thousands of dollars in 3G network roaming fees on a single business trip. These fees can run as much as $10 per megabyte. Wi-Fi support in the smartphone lets users access the Internet and enterprise network services much more affordably.

3. Wi-Fi access can improve application performance. The bandwidth available on a network access connection can significantly affect application performance, particularly with those involving voice and video. In addition, high latency can destroy usability in voice and video applications, causing frustration and costly mistakes. Wi-Fi delivers higher throughput and lower latency than 3G. In addition, with certain 3G plans, bandwidth decreases as users exceed predefined monthly download limits.

4. Wi-Fi often provides coverage where 3G doesn't. When 3G signals are weak or unavailable in some locations, smartphone users can often maintain access to data services using nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. And Wi-Fi helps users reduce their download volumes and provides high-performance connections if they should exceed their monthly limits.

5. Wi-Fi gives smartphone users in-flight access. A number of airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, enabling business travelers to make productive use of their time aloft -updating their personal calendars, attending WebEx meetings, checking email, and staying in touch via instant messaging. This is an important capability for smartphone users, particularly in the U.S. where FCC regulations prohibit in-flight cellular network use.

Smartphones have become indispensible for mobile workers, whether running from one meeting to another or needing to travel in order to meet customers, partners or colleagues. At times, an employee may choose to only carry a smartphone, relying on connectivity to stay in touch and up-to-date.

Enterprises often invest in mobility management solutions that provide access to multiple services in hotspot locations all over the world. A service that's easy for the user to switch between WiFi and 3G connections, along with links to an online hotspot finder showing available connections, can improve employee productivity and connection time. Simple and seamless access to connections will also reduce helpdesk calls. And because mobile workers often carry a laptop along with a smartphone, connection complexity increases depending on the variety of devices allowed by the enterprise.

3G connections are not always available or sometimes run slow. Wi-Fi access can provide a combination of performance and economy, and ultimately saves money for the enterprise.

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About The Author: iPass Inc. helps enterprises and individuals unify the management of remote and mobile connectivity. With iPass software and services, enterprise customers can create easy-to-use wireless and broadband solutions for their mobile workers, home offices, and branch and retail locations, complete with web-based management, security validation, and unified billing. Visit us at <a href="www.ipass.com" target="_self">www.ipass.com</a>.