More Wi-Fi hotspots allow more VoIP phone calls

Increasing numbers of Wi-Fi hotspots are appearing worldwide allowing more locations where VoIP phone calls can be made, a report has suggested.

The report, by ABI Research, found that the Wi-Fi market is expected to grow by 40 per cent compared with 2007 and its business model has been changing rapidly.

It found that companies such as Starbucks have been altering how they look at the technology, for instance offering a virtually free service, meaning customers can take full advantage of the low cost of VoIP phone calls.

"Starbucks decision to go to a virtually free Wi-Fi hotspot model is having a profound impact," said Stan Schatt, ABI Research vice president and research director.

"Hotspot owners are beginning to see Wi-Fi as a cost of doing business and an operational expense, rather than as a profit centre."

He expected other retailers to move to a similar model in stages, with the initial stage being akin to a free or nearly free service for customers with loyalty cards.