A study by ABI Research indicates that the number of WiFi hotspots around the world has risen by 47 percent to 143,700 in 2006. Europe -- home to 57,000 hotspots -- and North America account for 74 percent of the volume but Asia-Pacific is expected to surpass both regions in five years due to its rapid growth. ABI also sees an increase in the number of access points worldwide, with over 675,000 to be shipped this year. In addition, subscribers are staying longer online using WiFi. Retail and hospitality companies, according to the analyst firm, are driving the growth. The hospitality industry has already deployed 40,000 hotspots worldwide, and will install a further 109,000 within the next four years.
Via [computerworld.com]