4G NETWORK: WILL IT KILL Wi-Fi HOTSPOT ?
Nowadays on one hand where internet availability has become an absolute necessity another added need of the day, which is also growing day by day, is the availability of portable internet as you move around the globe, anywhere and anytime. Given this need in most parts of the developed and developing world, a greater stress is now placed on either the availability of Wi-Fi internet or internet on one’s mobile phones, which you can utilize on the go for all sorts of necessary tasks. The need for both has as yet been equally important and vital for a wide range of people and those too from all sorts of fields of life. With the development of 4G mobile communication technology and hence the resulting advancement in mobile internet services, many have come to consider its possible consequences on the usage of Wi-Fi internet and the popularity of Wi-Fi hotspots. In this regard many arguments, varying in views, have come up.
The comforts and discomforts of a 4G network; Fast and reliable internet on the go
The availability of a fast and reliable 4G network may as well allow ever greater volumes of downloads even on phones. Hence where 3G may as well have sufficed to allow for only necessary internet usage, with 4G the need for Wi-Fi seems to be growing even less for many. Even iPads coming with 4G, allow the comfort of turning it on and off depending when you need to use it. Hence the internet is utilized only when needed, for example on a vacation or a journey, with clients only paying for the time they used it.
Despite these obvious and apparent ease that come with using a 4G network, critics have often reflected upon the very much valid other side of the situation. It has often been realized that the quality of coverage of a 4G system will be more challenging to maintain and provide. Similarly the technology and infrastructure that is needed to be developed for a 4G network is extremely expensive to be employed in many parts of the developing or under developed world, for example part of Asia and Africa. Given the above facts an extensive global coverage of 4G, or as we may call it a ‘universal coverage’, cannot be expected quiet soon.
Most predicted outcome: the co-existence of 4G and Wi-Fi Hotspots
In a situation where the pros and cons of both Wi-Fi and 4G entail a more complementary role, co-existence of both systems is often predicted to be the outcome. Given the expensive nature of the required set up for 4G provision and the limited coverage challenge, especially in developing countries, Wi-Fi comes as a cheaper option in most parts of the world. Even amongst tourists the demand of a wi-fi hotspot is ever increasing, especially in hotels where they decide to stay, where this facility is now deemed to be extremely vital. Such an availability of internet reduces the reliance on 4G which may serve to be expensive when in another region.Similarly Wi-Fi hotspots also allow for internet usage at its maximum without the fear of going above one’s monthly limit.
Another possibility that has been postulated by various critics is that Wi-Fi hotspots and hence the internet they provide will yet again remain a solution to lower the 4G congestion that may result, especially once its rapid usage begins. As mentioned above,given the recent provision of Wi-Fi in public places like shopping centers, hotels and airports, there is also an opportunity for marketers to utilize them for advertisement purposes, especiallythose that will be shown on the Wi-Fi login pages. Such provisions of Wi-Fi hotspots until today are increasingly becoming common today, and with such a recent and huge capital investment in these, a rapid switch to 4G entirely still seems to be a distant possibility.
Nowadays on one hand where internet availability has become an absolute necessity another added need of the day, which is also growing day by day, is the availability of portable internet as you move around the globe, anywhere and anytime. Given this need in most parts of the developed and developing world, a greater stress is now placed on either the availability of Wi-Fi internet or internet on one’s mobile phones, which you can utilize on the go for all sorts of necessary tasks. The need for both has as yet been equally important and vital for a wide range of people and those too from all sorts of fields of life. With the development of 4G mobile communication technology and hence the resulting advancement in mobile internet services, many have come to consider its possible consequences on the usage of Wi-Fi internet and the popularity of Wi-Fi hotspots. In this regard many arguments, varying in views, have come up.
The comforts and discomforts of a 4G network; Fast and reliable internet on the go
The availability of a fast and reliable 4G network may as well allow ever greater volumes of downloads even on phones. Hence where 3G may as well have sufficed to allow for only necessary internet usage, with 4G the need for Wi-Fi seems to be growing even less for many. Even iPads coming with 4G, allow the comfort of turning it on and off depending when you need to use it. Hence the internet is utilized only when needed, for example on a vacation or a journey, with clients only paying for the time they used it.
Despite these obvious and apparent ease that come with using a 4G network, critics have often reflected upon the very much valid other side of the situation. It has often been realized that the quality of coverage of a 4G system will be more challenging to maintain and provide. Similarly the technology and infrastructure that is needed to be developed for a 4G network is extremely expensive to be employed in many parts of the developing or under developed world, for example part of Asia and Africa. Given the above facts an extensive global coverage of 4G, or as we may call it a ‘universal coverage’, cannot be expected quiet soon.
Most predicted outcome: the co-existence of 4G and Wi-Fi Hotspots
In a situation where the pros and cons of both Wi-Fi and 4G entail a more complementary role, co-existence of both systems is often predicted to be the outcome. Given the expensive nature of the required set up for 4G provision and the limited coverage challenge, especially in developing countries, Wi-Fi comes as a cheaper option in most parts of the world. Even amongst tourists the demand of a wi-fi hotspot is ever increasing, especially in hotels where they decide to stay, where this facility is now deemed to be extremely vital. Such an availability of internet reduces the reliance on 4G which may serve to be expensive when in another region.Similarly Wi-Fi hotspots also allow for internet usage at its maximum without the fear of going above one’s monthly limit.
Another possibility that has been postulated by various critics is that Wi-Fi hotspots and hence the internet they provide will yet again remain a solution to lower the 4G congestion that may result, especially once its rapid usage begins. As mentioned above,given the recent provision of Wi-Fi in public places like shopping centers, hotels and airports, there is also an opportunity for marketers to utilize them for advertisement purposes, especiallythose that will be shown on the Wi-Fi login pages. Such provisions of Wi-Fi hotspots until today are increasingly becoming common today, and with such a recent and huge capital investment in these, a rapid switch to 4G entirely still seems to be a distant possibility.
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