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Ericsson Predicts Swift End For Wi-Fi Hotspots

Posted by Zonk on from the kind-of-in-their-interest-to-do-so dept.

mikesd81 writes "Mobile technology group Ericsson is predicting a 'swift end' for Wi-Fi hotspots, according to the PC Pro site. Johan Bergendahl, the company's chief marketing officer, offers this analysis: 'The rapid growth of mobile broadband is set to make Wi-Fi hotspots irrelevant ... Hotspots at places like Starbucks are becoming the telephone boxes of the broadband era. Industry will have to solve the international roaming issue ... Carriers need to work together. It can be as simple as paying 10 euros per day when you are abroad.' He also pointed to a lack of coverage as a potential hindrance to the growth of the technology."

8 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. no more starbucks wireless by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Now people will just go to Starbucks for the overpriced foo-foo coffees.

    1. Re:no more starbucks wireless by Midnight+Thunder · · Score: 4, Funny

      Now people will just go to Starbucks for the overpriced foo-foo coffees.

      Customer: Could I have small coffee
      Server: That would be a mezzo, sir
      Customer: what the f*ck? mezzo is medium, piccolo is small
      Server: sir mezzo means small
      Customer: never mind, I'll a medium coffe
      Server: That would be a grande, sir
      Customer: Whatever, just give me a medium coffee that is actually a small.

      foo-foo coffees and no grasp of language.

      --
      Jumpstart the tartan drive.
    2. Re:no more starbucks wireless by TheLink · · Score: 2, Funny

      "I want whatever is the middle size"

      Careful with that though, many companies realize people do that - that's why they keep making really huge burgers (and drinks).

      So the big burgers start becoming middle.

      And _your_ middle starts becoming big ;).

      --
  2. Simple, right... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It can be as simple as paying 10 euros per day when you are abroad.' Ten Euros a day? Well gee, at that low low price, Wi-Fi hotspots don't stand a chance! /sarcasm
  3. And pigs will fly out of my butt by iPaul · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yes, you could pay out the nose for a 200k mobile broadband account (on a good day) or you could pop in to your local sandwich shop for free and use their broadband (which might be tied into a 5/2 Mbps cable modem). Hmmm...

    --
    Leave the gun, take the cannoli -- Clemenza, The Godfather
  4. Re:Quite the opposite by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    there isn't a -1 disagree modifier for a reason, -1 offtopic and -1 troll aren't valid substitutes. Duh, that's what the -1 Overrated moderation is for.
  5. Re:They are in fantasy land by CRCulver · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of course the Bittorent, ftp, and other higher BW users are going to need something better than municipal wifi or hotspots.

    I highly recommend your neighbour's flat.

  6. This just in by tvon · · Score: 4, Funny

    Company claims rival technology is no good, causes cancer, and impregnates young women.