According to recent market research report published by Gartner, the number of wireless LAN hotspots will dramatically rise this year. This is a good new for all the end-users who already acquired or plan to get a shiny-new Intel Centrino notebook or other devices with WLAN capabilities.

The number of hotspots in the whole world will reach about 71 000 this year, though Gartner says that it will not be enough to satisfy initial demand, which, I think, will be heated by advertising campaigns. Gartner predicts that the number of users will grow up to 9.3 million this year compared to 2.5 million last year.

At the same time, Gartner Research has warned that the market could become over-heated, and the industry had placed too many expectations in Wi-Fi. After an initial phase of hype, it is likely that a phase of disillusionment will set in. The study cautions that hotspots need time to mature as an access platform and reach a certain “level of productivity”.

Also, Gartner analysts say it will be hard for wireless access to win over regular customers. Of the 2.5 million consumers registered last year, about 91% were occasional clients. Though, a lot of regular clients may be occasional WLAN clients at the same time.

To sum up, WLAN is gaining popularity, but do not overestimate it, it is just another technology that still needs time to find its place in this world. See our article called "Wireless Communications: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" to learn more about comms nowadays.