News

6/10/2003

Jupiter Research Reports That European Internet Users Are Interested In Wireless Home Networking

A research report just released by Jupiter Research, a division of Jupitermedia Corporation (Nasdaq: JUPM), has found that 80% of Internet users throughout Europe are interested in setting up home networking systems. This research demonstrates that while current home networking levels remain low, there is strong consumer demand for activities empowered by new Wi-Fi technology that allows different devices to communicate wirelessly.

Jupiter Research's consumer survey results show that the two key drivers of home network adoption are the ability to share broadband Internet connections, and to have greater access to digital media such as MP3 music on a home stereo. In addition to Internet connection sharing, other perceived benefits of home networking include operating many devices from a single portable device, the lack of additional cabling and the desire to watch PC video on a television set.

The fact that the avoidance of new cabling was cited by 37% of respondents demonstrates the demand for Wi-Fi among home users. Immediate opportunities exist for networking hardware vendors, broadband providers and consumer electronics manufacturers to take advantage of this consumer demand. Those companies that correctly identify the consumer demand and design products to target them directly will be the winners in wireless applications.

"While the industry focus is mostly on public Wi-Fi hotspots, our research proves the near-term consumer opportunity is in the home and garden, not in a café or on the road", said Ian Fogg, Analyst at Jupiter Research. "This is significant for Europe's broadband providers because Jupiter Research's results further show broadband users are more interested in home network than dial-up users."

www.jupitermedia.com