Wireless Internet technology: potential benefits and key success factors

¶ … Wireless Internet

The potential role of the wireless Internet all over the world would seem endless. Considering the advance technology, wide advantages, and great convenience that Internet provides to its users, we can imagine how a wireless Internet can provide more and better benefits to the world. Everybody is a potential users of the wireless Internet, starting from the civil society, to the private sectors, and to government offices. The wireless Internet may cause a greater demand for more bandwidth though. This is because of the fact that people may access it anytime and anywhere. There is no more need to go to an Internet cafe. Thus, the usage of Internet will become higher. Looking at the positive side, on the other hand, a wireless Internet can embrace a more productive and more progressive nation. People can virtually work at their office anytime and anywhere -- made possible by remote access software. Sarbuland Khan (SchoolNetAfrica Online, 2003), a director of an economic and social organization, suggests the following potential that wireless Internet can bring to man.

With wireless internet applications having the potential to achieve access at low cost, we have heard today a call for us to think outside the box and devise sustainable models, which combine market expansion with social responsibility, that will enable us to leapfrog the technology hurdles and improve the quality of life in the developing world."

The Market Players

There are quite a number of groups that can be considered as the market players in the Wireless Internet technology. This includes the Internet providers, the hardware manufacturers, and the software developers. Two of the major players in the area of Wireless Internet providers are at&T and Sprint PCS. Comparing the capabilities and features of both providers, peoples' review shows more favor for Sprint PCS. In terms of cost, Sprint PCS provides a cheaper cost of service than at&T. Sprint is also considered to have greater network reliability. According to an online review,

Sprint PCS Vision is probably the best wireless web service around. It offers very reliable Internet at efficient speeds for a very low price. You have unlimited data transfers so don't fear any unexpected charges. Whether you use a Sprint cell phone, Sprint handheld, or a laptop, then you can take advantage of the web from almost anywhere with Sprint PCS Vision.

Success Factors

The success of Wireless Internet may depend on the following 3 major factors.

Wireless Internet Security

Continuous Network Availability

Risk Analysis for the Wireless Internet Market

Reports show that the Wireless Internet market is being favored by many due to the convenience and fast access of information that it provides to users. However, many are still concerned with the lack of information security that current Wireless Internet access presents. This is the risk that was found to present a higher concern in the Wireless Internet market. Analysts say that if security of information will be at stake for users of Wireless Internet, it is likely that people will no longer use the Wireless Internet for important and productive purposes. Thus, making the Wireless Internet unessential for many.