The deployment of Hotspot 2.0 for Wi-Fi coverage by telecom network operators remains slow, said ABI Research.

The telecom market research agency said at least 6 million public locations will support Hotspot 2.0 features in 2020.

Mobile operators are increasingly relying on Wi-Fi networks, both directly and indirectly, to support their businesses.

The research report said telecom operators lack the tools to generate revenue streams from Hotspot 2.0 that can enhance the user experience and attract more engagement.

“Hotspot 2.0 will evolve to allow operators higher flexibility for supporting different policies, which in turn, will encourage implementation of innovative business models, and ultimately wider market adoption,” said Ahmed Ali, research analyst at ABI Research.

The growing demand for IMS-enabled Wi-Fi calling has boosted the confidence in Wi-Fi voice capability, the report said. There will be larger role for Wi-Fi technologies in 4G and 5G networks. Apple has sold 13 million iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus smartphones that feature Wi-Fi calling.

Strategy Analytics on Thursday said at least 10 telecom network operators launched Wi-Fi calling services in different parts of the world.

ABI Research said many operators that have tapped the Wi-Fi calling technology in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong, have launched the service with VoLTE side by side, aiming for a complete seamless voice experience and driving the usage to five-fold by next year.

Migrating to 802.11ac is another top priority for operators in order to release or avoid congestion problems within public spaces.

Baburajan K
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