Intel recently conducted a survey to identify the top 100 most unwired cities, with a focus on the prevalence of hot spots offering wireless web access to the public. The survey, led by Bert Sperling of Sperling’s BestPlaces, showcased the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi technology, emphasizing its accessibility beyond traditional settings like labs and businesses.

FAQs

  1. What is the significance of the “Most Unwired Cities” survey conducted by Intel?

    • The survey aims to highlight the availability and accessibility of Wi-Fi technology in various cities across the United States.
  2. What criteria were used to rank the most unwired cities?

    • The ranking was based on the number of public and commercially available hot spots, cell phone coverage, and Internet penetration in each city.
  3. What technology standards are associated with Wi-Fi networking?

    • Wi-Fi technology is based on standards like 802.11b, 802.11a, and the emerging 802.11g.
  4. How are hot spots defined in the context of the survey?

    • Hot spots refer to locations where wireless web access is available to the public, such as cafes, airports, parks, and hotels.
  5. What role does community involvement play in the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology?

    • Communities actively contribute to expanding Wi-Fi access, showcasing the ease of implementing this technology through grassroots efforts.
  6. Are there unexpected locations that were found to be unwired in the survey?

    • Yes, locations like a barbershop in Long Island, a chowder house in Seattle, and a pool hall in Maui were identified as unwired spots.
  7. How is Intel contributing to the advancement of Wi-Fi technology?

    • Intel is partnering with hotel chains and airports to make Wi-Fi more widely available, with plans to integrate Wi-Fi capability into their next generation of mobile processors.
  8. What is driving the high ranking of Portland in the survey results?

    • Portland’s ranking is attributed to a strong demand for Wi-Fi and the city’s initiative to promote free Wi-Fi hot spots.
  9. Which metropolitan areas made it to the top 10 list of most unwired cities?

    • The top 10 included cities like Portland, San Francisco Bay Area, Austin, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., among others.
  10. Can we expect free hot spot services to dominate the market?

    • While free hot spots are prevalent, paid services are likely to increase due to the operational costs associated with maintaining these facilities.

Summary

The “Most Unwired Cities” survey by Intel sheds light on the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi technology, showcasing the accessibility of wireless web access in public spaces across various cities. The survey, conducted by Bert Sperling, emphasizes the community-driven approach to expanding Wi-Fi networks and highlights unexpected locations that offer wireless connectivity. Intel’s active role in promoting Wi-Fi access, coupled with the growing trend of paid service hot spots, signifies a shift towards widespread connectivity. As cities continue to embrace Wi-Fi technology, the landscape of public internet access is set to evolve, making connectivity more seamless and ubiquitous for individuals and businesses alike.

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