The things we do for Wi-Fi

We use Wi-Fi almost without thinking about it, but a new survey of users in the US and Europe reveals just how big an impact it has on our daily lives and what we're willing to do to stay connected.

Network company Xirrus polled hundreds of people about their Wi-Fi habits and expectations. The results reveal the far-reaching impact Wi-Fi has on users' lives, as well as its importance to the future.

Rapid expansion of the IoT and BYOD means that businesses need to re-evaluate how they design their Wi-Fi networks to meet users' expectations to connect anywhere, on any device, at any time. The survey finds a majority of consumers (76 percent) connect to Wi-Fi outside of their home on a regular basis. It also reveals a growing expectation of being able to get connected everywhere.

Although 79 percent of respondents don't feel that public Wi-Fi is secure, 62 percent are still willing to connect to it. More than half (66 percent) of travelers would change hotels for a better Wi-Fi experience, and 49 percent would change their preferred airline provider.

84 percent of respondents say that bad Wi-Fi has kept them from doing their job. Almost all consumers (90 percent) now own at least one connected device -- such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet -- and a surprisingly high one in three of those polled own a wearable device of some kind, such as a smartwatch or fitness band.

"We are now more than ever a mobile, wireless-reliant society," says Shane Buckley, Xirrus CEO. "The proliferation of Wi-Fi connected devices combined with the expectation of steadfast connectivity has put increased demand on Wi-Fi networks everywhere. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the enterprise. Our study highlights the need for organizations to reinforce their networks to ensure a seamless connected experience for users at all times, no matter the location".

The Xirrus Where the Wires End Survey is available to download from the company's website and there’s a summary in infographic form below.

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