Future Looks Bright For The Wireless Internet
The honeymoon is officially over with the wireless internet and the consumer. Anything smaller, more powerful and shiny gets the wonder working and the wallet out. Although WiFi technology was created as early as 1991, it hasn't become widely available to the average consumer until the last decade. The most attractive aspect about the wireless internet was the cost - or rather, the lack thereof. This made growth of WiFi more than wireless internet providers or engineers could handle.
Security!
The main problem with the wireless internet has been its relatively lax security. The wireless internet works like radio waves - anyone with the right "radio" (so to speak) can pick up the transmissions. This has given rise to a form of computer hacking called "sniffing", where online criminals eavesdrop and use whatever data they discover, including credit card numbers and bank account numbers, for fraud.
The wireless internet industry hasn't turned a blind eye to sniffers, and has set about trying to counter them through the use of encryption and double ID certifications. Because of WiFi's limited range, at least you don't have to worry about anyone on the planet stealing your personal data, like in the traditional internet (who thought we'd ever see those two words together?) A sniffer actually has to be physically in the same area and on the same network in order to pick up a transmission.
Self-Regulating
The wireless internet industry has so far been self-regulating, and looks as if it's going to stay that way. They cooperate with governments when they have to, but also look out for the individual client. Considering all that governments have to worry about, perhaps it's best that WiFi be left to the WiFi industry specialists. But they always have to answer to the consumer, who can be a lot stricter than government regulations.
However, the governments of America, Japan and the European Union do regulate Wifi antennas' Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRPs, also known as dBm or mW). Yes, these antennas put out a bit of radiation that may be detrimental to the public health, which is why they are situated in low to no populated areas.
With still some kinks to work out in the areas of security, regulation and consistency of signals, the honeymoon with WiFi is over. However, there is a definite commitment to keeping the marriage going on both sides. Wireless internet technology always improves and customers continue to buy what's available.
