electronrun.com

The discussion about mobile wireless internet access practically everywhere is raging on. There is speculation about google entering this huge market and promises on how WiMax can transform Africa where current internet access infrastructure is archaic or non-existent. So far there is some considerable success in places with dense WiFi spots or mobile companies that offer data plans at reasonable cost. The road ahead looks difficult.

However, it is not only the infrastructure that is decelerating progress. Looking at what people do around me and talking with friends and collaborators in several countries, I have arrived at the conclusion that another major stumbling block is our internet access habits. I take myself for example. On most days I have internet access 100% of the time via my work and home desktops. Do I worry if I need to surf from the sofa? No, because I can use my wife’s laptop with the home wireless. Do I worry when I am not at home or at the office? No, because it is refreshing to be away from the PC for a little bit, and yes, because some times I need internet access but never carry the notebook with me. And do I worry when I travel? Here the answer is a large YES! So what can one do?

If travel is for business then the employer will have to decide how important is internet access for the employee and find the appropriate solution. But for individuals or freelancers that cannot live without access there are two huge issues:

1. Roaming! If you have done it with your mobile/cellphone you know how much it hurts your wallet. If you have used Skype through your smartphone you already know that it is not as reliable as normal telephone use and access could be a real problem.
2. Hardware! Users tend to carry a notebook and a mobile telephone at all times. None of the two devices covers all uses.

Both of the above issues are typical chicken and egg situations:

1. Providers argue that using another company’s infrastructure is expensive and this extra cost has to be passed to the end user. At the same time users complain about high charges…
2. All hardware efforts for light and comfortable to use mobile devices (see UMPC) have met very little or no market acceptance, mainly because of outrageously high pricing. At the same time the manufacturers state that prices will come down only when production volumes increase…

When it comes to internet access I definitely feel envious of US users. Although there are places like Japan, Sweden and South Korea with higher access speeds, none of them offer the scale of the north american market. My prediction for the future is that market scale and homogeneity will be instrumental for the appearance of truly practical solutions to the stalemate…