The use of Wi-Fi hotspots has been increasing worldwide, especially, in many broadband developed nations like the USA, the UK and other countries in Europe and Asia Pacific regions. According to the latest Mobile Broadband Index report from iPass, some of the cities that showed the fastest growth in Wi-fi usage include London, Tokyo, Munich, Singapore and San Jose.

In terms of the number of wi-fi hotspots, London tops the table as the UK capital alone has 1.3 percent of the total Wi-fi hotspots network, followed by Singapore (0.5 %), Tokyo (0.4 %), New York (0.4 %) and Chicago (0.3 %). As far as year-on-year growth in Wi-fi usage in the metros is concerned, London again leads the table with 156% growth, followed by Tokyo (118%), Munich (90%) and Singapore (72 %). 

As for the Wi-fi enabled nations, the USA is quite ahead of other nations. The Wi-fi hotspots in the USA alone contribute more than half (51 %) of the total Wi-fi hotspots in the world. The UK which has 13 percent of global Wi-fi hotspots had 121% annunal in Wi-fi usage which is higher than the USA. Some of the countries that reported fast annual growth in Wi-fi usage include Brazil (259%), Germany (243%), France (233 %) and Australia (190 %).

Among the broadband regions, Asia Pacific, which has made tremendous advancements in fibre based broadband (FTTH), lagged behind North America and Europe. This region has just 7 % of the global Wifi hotspots while the annual growth in Wi-fi usage was also on moderate phase (77 %).

The report also revealed which are the favourites areas for Wifi access.  Cafes were used 11 percent of the wifi users while the restaurants, which are becoming quite popular for wifi usage (showing 217% growth), were favourite spots for 4% of the users.

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