Tatara Systems has published the results of business user research into wireless data communications usage, which shows that most users do not understand the differences between 3G, GPRS and Wi-Fi; that Wi-Fi use through hotspots is more popular than Wi-Fi use at home, and that laptop users buy coffee just so they can access hotspots....

Intel supplies wi-fi access at its forum, but for the first time ever we were provided with an A4 printed document, probably in six point type, that spells out the inherent security weakness of such networks. Via [theinquirer.net]

The city is kicking off pre-Wimax for city services later this month, an effort designed to improve employee productivity. Via [informationweek.com]

This week has seen more scepticism than ever about Wimax as a viable wireless carrier technology, following the news from the Forum that testing and certification "could be delayed till October." Via [theregister.co.uk]

Mobile workers in Docklands will soon be able to get high-speed wireless access from the bars and shops surrounding the UK's highest buildings. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

The Elata and Flarion acquisitions reflect the outfit's need to keep abreast of tech's latest trends. Expect more of the same. Via [businessweek.com]

NZX-listed transport company Toll New Zealand has begun using wireless handheld computers connected by WiFi access points to check-in passengers on its Interislander ferries, a move that it says could halve loading times. Via [stuff.co.nz]

One of the greediest moves ever by big telephone companies appears — for the moment — to have run amok, if not backfired. Via [seattletimes.nwsource.com]

When the WiMax Forum launched its certification process at Spain’s Cetecom Labs in mid-July, a number of companies quickly took the opportunity to announce that their equipment had been shipped to Spain to participate – but one company was notably missing from the list: Alvarion. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

WiMax is in the air this week, as Airspan Networks today announced the $5 million expansion of an agreement with Yozan for WiMax deployment in Tokyo. Via [reed-electronics.com]

Groups led by EarthLink and HP have been selected as the finalists to deploy Philadelphia's city-wide network, with city officials expecting deployment to begin this October. Via [informationweek.com]

Finland has called on its citizens to take more care securing their Wi-Fi networks after it emerged this week that about €200,000 (£135,623) had been stolen from a bank using an unprotected home network. Via [pcadvisor.co.uk]

While lawmakers in some parts of the country are fighting to ban free wireless broadband access, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is looking at it as a potential tool for fixing community problems. Via [informationweek.com]

Intel and several corporate partners launched a program on Thursday aimed at helping cities use wireless networks to better serve their citizens--and perhaps make a little cash on the side. Via [news.zdnet.com]

BT claims voice over internet protocol (VoIP) over WiFi will not fall outside established charging structures, while in the US it is being heralded as an alternative to 3G telephony and the death knell for fixed line operators. Via [electronicsweekly.com]