3GSM: Boom for wireless device certification levels

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Nearly 100 Wi-Fi phones have been certified since testing began in 2004 and 340 million handsets are expected to ship by 2011, the The Wi-Fi Alliance announced at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona.

Wi-Fi connectivity in phones enables users to connect to a wireless network for voice and data applications over a faster connection than standard mobile networks - often for a lower price.

After considering interoperability, security protocols, and power conservation, the wireless access body has certified 82 dual-mode and 10 single-mode handsets and expects strong growth to continue throughout 2007.

"The growth in certification reflects the momentum in the market for devices with combined cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, and manufacturers and carriers' enthusiasm for the unique voice and data capabilities Wi-Fi adds to a handset," said Wi-Fi Alliance managing director Frank Hanzlik.

ABI Research forecasts that in 2011, more than 325 million dual-mode Wi-Fi/cellular phones and 15 million single-mode Wi-Fi phones will be shipped, with the drive lead by smartphones.

"Smartphones have led the way for embedded Wi-Fi in cellular handsets to provide faster data access," said Philip Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research.

"With fixed-mobile convergence solutions on the rise, even more smartphones and feature phones are including Wi-Fi to provide a choice of connection options based on throughput, coverage, or cost needs."

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