Could Wi-Fi-Only Phones Replace Cellular?

SCOTTSDALE: Wi-Fi-only phones could theoretically replace cellular phones for some users, but respondents that participated in an Web survey around Wi-Fi phones and communication devices had only a lukewarm response to the concept. The survey was carried by reseach firm In-Stat.

Although the majority of respondents expressed at least marginal interest in Wi-Fi-only phones, nearly 25% expressed absolutely no interest, the high-tech market research firm says.

"Overall survey results indicat ed that Wi-Fi is a desirable buddy technology to cellular," says Gemma Tedesco, In-Stat analyst. "The majority of respondents were interested in having a Wi-Fi communication device together with their cellular phones, albeit only if the Wi-Fi phone or communicator device is cheap."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

-Current pricing for Wi-Fi-only phones is way out of line with what most consumers are willing to pay.

- Respondents expressed a general satisfaction with their cellular handsets for mobile voice communication.

- Respondents indicated they would pay a premium for a Wi-Fi personal communication device, such as the Sony mylo, compared to a standard Wi-Fi phone.