As Devices Pull More Data, Patience May Be Required
Even as carriers struggle to meet the demands on their networks, they are encouraging the use of more sophisticated devices that hog bandwidth.
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In my opinion devices such as the iPad could hasten a much needed move to almost universal free WiFi. Nothing, of course, is "totally free", not even the air we breath or the water we drink, but there could and should be access nearly everywhere. The new iPad can comes with Apple's Airport, built in WiFi, and optional 3G celluar. While on my recent trip west I was able to use my WiFi only iPod touch to connect nearly everywhere I went, which meant not just the ability to surf the net, send/receive email, but also to receive/make calls through Skype! This worked great.
DSL and Cable providers of internet access have a grand opportunity. . . no new cell towers required and very little infrastructure beyond what is already in place.
posted by Wm at
7:36 AM
