UK users satisfy hunger for Wi-Fi over coffee

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No longer being confined by the four walls of an office building has had a positive impact on the world of Wi-Fi, with usage increasing by 44 per cent between the first and second half of 2006, according to the latest Wi-Fi hotspot index from enterprise mobility specialist iPass.

This increased appetite for wireless connectivity has resulted in a 74 per cent increase in the number of Wi-Fi access sessions and led to London being crowned the capital of the Wi-Fi world, in terms of usage at non-business travel locations like cafes and shops.

London Wi-Fi users clocked up more than 11,000 sessions during the second half of last year, double the number of Singapore, the second most popular city in terms of wireless usage.

Overall UK Wi-Fi usage also grew during the period, with a 75 per cent increase in the volume of access sessions.

Airports proved particularly popular for getting connected, with Heathrow airport in the top travel spot, closely followed by the Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

Hotels such as the Radisson Hotel at Manchester Airport, the Hilton London Heathrow and the Hilton Paddington were also popular Wi-Fi venues.

"2006 was a fantastic year for Wi-Fi hotspots with strong worldwide and European growth," said Doug Loewe, vice president and managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at iPass.

"User education has been a driving factor as people began to see the benefits of getting connected wherever they go. Advances in wireless technology and IT security have also enabled IT departments to roll out wireless initiatives with confidence."

Worldwide, popular haunts such as Starbuck's and Café Nero appealed to iPass users, with them spending more than 180,000 hours drinking coffee and checking e-mails during the second half of 2006.

McDonald's and other restaurants were the next most popular venue, with more than 4,000 sessions each month.

Loewe added: "It's gotten to the point where people often choose where to stay or meet based on whether they can get reliable Wi-Fi access. Branded venues such as Marriott hotels and Starbucks cafés are proving popular with iPass customers because they know they can get connected there."

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