Despite their growing numbers, most people in the UK are still unfamiliar with the function of wireless hotspots, according to a recent survey.
A poll carried out by
Mori on behalf of Packard Bell found that just 29% of home PC users were aware that wi-fi hotspots were places where people can connect to the internet without cables.
Some 43% of those questioned had no idea what the term meant while some of the more exotic responses included a night club (5%), a new hi-fi (2%) and a microwave ready meal (1%). Nonetheless, it is estimated that 456,000 Britons will use wi-fi technology this year and the number of hot spots is set to reach 4,100 (see UK Is European Leader In Wi-Fi).
The Mori survey comes in the wake of a recent US study which found that 34% of internet households had never heard of hot spot services. A further 30% had heard of them, but were not familiar with their purpose (see US Consumers Still Cold On Hot Spots).
