Wireless broadband drivers and their social implications

Abstract Wireless local area networks now offer high-speed Internet access at numerous locations in both public and private environments. Associated with this rapid growth, numerous social implications come to the fore, especially relating to practices, such as the free use and sharing of bandwidth. Using case-based comparative analysis, we examine three primary strategies involved in providing wireless broadband access. Based on this research, we discuss the future of Wi-Fi growth, emergent competing technologies, and the broad social implications of this phenomenon.