London takes international WiFi crown

WiFi use has surged in the capital

More people use WiFi hotspots at non-business locations in London than any other city in the world, according to research released today.

The capital notched up over 11,000 access sessions at locations including cafes and bookshops during a six month period, double the rate of the second most popular city, Singapore, says WiFi provider iPass.

Its WiFi hotspot index, which tracks usage data from hotspots within iPass’ virtual global network, says throughout the UK access sessions have increased 75 per cent between July and December 2006 and London venues are the most popular with Heathrow airport taking the top spot and Gatwick airport second.

Other popular WiFi venues include Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, the Radisson Hotel at Manchester airport and the Hilton at London Heathrow.

The results show a similar pattern in Europe with a 74 per cent increase in the number of European WiFi access sessions and a global WiFi usage increase of 44 per cent.

iPass says WiFi is evolving from an ad-hoc usage method to a standard connectivity option for mobile workers who need to be productive while travelling.

Doug Loewe, vice president and managing director for Europe, at iPass, said: ‘2006 was a fantastic year for WiFi hotspots with strong worldwide and European growth.

'User education has been a driving factor as people began to see the benefits of getting connected wherever they go.

‘It’s gotten to the point where people often choose where to stay or meet based on whether they can get reliable WiFi access,' he said.