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What are some of the key initiatives of Wi-Fi Forum; and what are the
trends you are seeing in Wi-Fi technology?
Wi-Fi Forum provides certification and testing for Wi-Fi products, that are
recognized through our brand called Wi-Fi certifiedTM. The impact of Wi-Fi
worldwide is huge. It is believed that one in ten people are presently using
Wi-Fi products worldwide. More than 1 bn devices have been sold or shipped that
are mainly home based. There has been an increasing demand for Wi-Fi products
from connected homes. The market today is growing at double figure rates; and
will continue to grow at around 30% in the next three to four years. In India
specifically, we have updated our forecast with several telecom companies. The
biggest growth will come from consumer electronics (namely gaming devices, set
top boxes. cameras, display devices), and handsets.
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| Edgar Figueroa,
executive director, Wi-Fi Alliance |
Are there products without Wi-Fi certification in the market?
There may be a few, but one of the compelling testaments to how important a
brand is that most companies do product testing. Products that are not Wi-Fi
certified, would certainly be a non Wi-Fi certified brand. The only way to check
if a product is Wi-Fi certified is to look for its original logo. However, since
there is not much awareness of Wi-Fi certification among end consumers
especially in emerging markets, we plan to educate them through events and
programs, that would enable end consumers to know more about Wi-Fi
certification.
How is the Wi-Fi development shaping up in India?
Wi-Fi is growing in double digit rates worldwide. Likewise, in India also we
forecast a huge potential and growth, and are collaborating with several telecom
companies in India. The Wi-Fi certified devices provide with the latest version
of security, and ensures that equipment has those capabilities. There is a lot
of activity in the Wi-Fi space in India, including activities from local as well
as MNCs to improve everything from core technology to service offerings.
What are the hurdles towards better acceptability of Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is loved around the world. Our aim is to continue to deliver for those who
are familiar with Wi-Fi; and also to deliver for growth markets, such as
consumer electronics where Wi-Fi is being used in new ways. We also plan to make
this technology more transparent. Wi-Fi roaming is another challenge on which
Wi-Fi Alliance is working on.
Sudesh Prasad
sudeshp@cybermedia.co.in
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