T-Mobile Joins Wi-Fi Alliance as Sponsor Member

Strategic Insights -

As a leader in wireless communications services, T-Mobile has strengthened its commitment to the growth of Wi-Fi technology by joining the Wi-Fi Alliance as a Sponsor Member. Omar Hassan, who leads T-Mobile's Wi-Fi device technology development, will serve on the Wi-Fi Alliance Board of Directors. This move is significant as it highlights T-Mobile's role in advancing the popularity and utility of Wi-Fi in handsets.

Key Takeaways:

  • T-Mobile has become a Sponsor Member of the Wi-Fi Alliance, joining other prominent companies like Apple, Atheros, and Broadcom.
  • The Wi-Fi Alliance is an international non-profit organization that has been instrumental in the growth of the Wi-Fi industry, with its Wi-Fi CERTIFIED program being a driving force.
  • ABI Research predicts that handsets will comprise more than 25 percent of total Wi-Fi devices shipped this year, growing to one-third of total shipments in 2012.
  • T-Mobile has been a leader in integrating Wi-Fi technology, with the company launching a converged Wi-Fi/mobile calling service for consumers in 2007 and enterprise customers earlier this month.
  • About 40 percent of T-Mobile's device lineup offers broadband data speeds over Wi-Fi.
  • T-Mobile's appointment as a Sponsor Member and Omar Hassan's board seat will help create new and innovative products and services that promote the adoption of Wi-Fi in the mobile space.
  • The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 6,000 product certifications to date, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets.

Statistics:

  • Wi-Fi Alliance has over 330 member companies.
  • T-Mobile's 40 percent of device lineup offers broadband data speeds over Wi-Fi.
  • ABI Research predicts handsets will comprise more than 25 percent of total Wi-Fi devices shipped this year, growing to one-third of total shipments in 2012.
  • Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 6,000 product certifications.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "T-Mobile Becomes Sponsor Member of Wi-Fi Alliance, Appoints Director to Board of Directors" (November 3, 2008)
  • ABI Research, Wi-Fi and WiMAX Market Research Service (2008)
  • Wi-Fi Alliance, About Us
  • Wi-Fi Alliance, History
  • T-Mobile, About Us
  • T-Mobile, Press Releases (November 2008)