With national cellular wireless networks becoming more of a 3G data monster these days -- finally -- WiFi in all its shapes and forms is becoming just as ubiquitous in major metro areas, from local hotels and restaurants to covering entire cities. This begs the question -- when do traditional cellular networks mesh with WiFi networks, since they are both datapipes for voice and data? How about right now.We are seeing more UMA-enabled handsets from major vendors and my guess is that more handsets will feature both traditional cellular connectivity and WiFi access at the same time, for many reasons. But, will we see total convergence of the two standards? I doubt this, although supreme interoperability may be looming on the near horizon.
1. As is usual with the wirelesspress, the lack of coverage of broadband, cellular, or wi-fi in the majority of rural areas continues to be ignored. I challenge you to write about that!
Posted at 9:07AM on Sep 19th 2006 by Bill Drew