Wi-Fi body wants hotspots to override 3G
Data auto re-route tech in development
The Wi-Fi Alliance has proposed to develop a standard that would allow mobile gadgets to automatically log on to public wireless hotspots.
Most modern smartphones already support Wi-Fi and automatically route data over such connections if they can, to reduce data flow over pricey - and often slower - 3G HSPA links.
The WFA's wants phones to use public hotspots this way, as seamlessly as logging in to the office or home wireless network is.
It also wants the system to allow data already travelling over a 3G link to be automatically and invisibly - to the user - re-routed through a hotspot that has come into range.
The scheme mandates WPA 2 wireless security, and automatic hotspot sign-on using pre-programmed credentials.
The WFA pitches the system as a win for network operators. The technology will lead to reduced congestion on their 3G cells, and will allow them to make more of their partnerships with Wi-Fi zone owners.
Of course, hotspots that support the system will need their ability to do so to be certified, which means work for the WFA's engineers and bureaucrats, so it's a win for the WFA too. ®
COMMENTS
BT like to resell your bandwidth
BT business hubs default as openzone points allowing passers by to use your hub and paid for bandwidth. And they are also paying BT for the privilege. Selling the same bit of bandwidth twice.
nice idea
kinda assumes that you have wi-fi switched on all the time.
I tend to only switch the wifi function in my phone on, if I am actually expecting to be able to connect to something, as much for the fact as it would kill the battery as anything else.
Even at work, i only activate the wifi if i want to use it, then when im done, switch it back off again.
Even if this was a seamless and invisible process, I would not want to walk around town with my wifi on all day, on the off chance that I might want to use it, just to find that the battery has died, meaning i cant use it when i do want to....
Geee!
"It also wants the system to allow data already travelling over a 3G link to be automatically and invisibly - to the user - re-routed through a hotspot that has come into range."
"automatic hotspot sign-on using pre-programmed credentials"
People running Jasager ARE going to have a lot of fun with these... And re-directing everyone to kittenwars is going to be one of the most innocent ways of having said fun: http://www.ex-parrot.com/pete/upside-down-ternet.html
No thanks...
... I'll stick to the 3G on the phone and/or the wifi hotspot in my pocket... I like to know whose network my data is travelling on.
Won't be long before some ne'er-do-well piggy backs onto this type of behaviour to fleece the unwitting/witless punter - then there'll be an outcry in the Daily Fail.
Public WIFI had better improve then
My experience is when my phone does connect to WIFI the signal is generally so poor that I switch back to 3G. Unless of course you are sitting underneath the WIFI box nailed to the wall.
Lets hope the work on improving connection handshakes also pushes the WIFI providers to put in place more hotspots.
