Beyond that, carriers are making strides to partner with broadband providers to offer access to hotspots all across the country in hopes of subsidizing their own networks and providing coverage in areas where mobile broadband signals aren’t the strongest.

Qwest, for example, has partnered with AT&T to offer its high-speed Internet subscribers free access to over 17,000 hotspots, it said recently, and Verizon Communications is getting ready to partner with Boingo Wireless to do the same.  Carriers and broadband providers alike believe Wi-Fi will always maintain its relevancy due to cheaper international data roaming, much better indoor coverage and the ubiquity of built-in support for the technology.

No matter how advanced and ubiquitous mobile broadband becomes, Wi-Fi will always compliment it nicely due to several advantages. The main one is lower cost.  Users don’t risk potentially astronomical 3G roaming charges, according to Matt Cooke, senior product marketing manager at network aggregator iPass.  In addition, Wi-Fi makes much more sense in scenarios where a 3G signal-booster would be needed for many people using one connection at once- such as a coffee house or conference center.

Other advantages include better in-building coverage and the possibility of higher speeds.  But as mobile broadband speeds continue to increase — using technologies including HSPA+ (High-Speed Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMax — the speed advantage will decrease.  However, in-building coverage may become even more important reason to stay with hotspots.

In-building support and the fact that Wi-Fi is already built-in to almost every wireless device made will solidify its place for a long time to come.

Imagine if you had to buy a certain brand of computer to ensure it would work on the ISP you have. Just craziness. But that’s what we have in mobile. The iPhone / AT&T contract has really brought this issue to the forefront but it certainly won’t be the last we’ll hear of this.

The trend most impactful to mobile marketing is #5 – Wireless Creep. This trend describes the concept that consumers are starting to expect wireless to be everywhere. With this expanded access to connection will come something even more exciting than simply more access to consumers via their phones; it will be connecting with them on non-traditional wireless devices like digital camcorders and gaming consoles. Just think of the consumer interaction / marketing possibilities. Thrilling.

The report is a quick read if you want or you can delve deeper in using the numerous links to related stories. Get your free copy of this Special Report – 10 Trends in Wireless Mobility – here.

Last week Xanadoo reported 12,000 subscribers in 4 rural markets! It’s easy to see why this is an attractive offer for consumers that are unable to get DSL or Cable. Xanadoo has consumer friendly mobile internet service plans and a dirt simple zero install plug and play wireless modem.

• 5 desktop modem plans (no phone or cable service requirements)
• A PCMCIA plan
• A low end plan that starts at $14.95 per month
• No annual service plan options

Naturally, not all customers are on the $14.95 plan, do the math, these folks are generating some revenue in just 4 markets. They have 2.5GHz licenses in the following markets which covers 8M people.

• Texas
• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• West Virginia

They’re barely scratching the surface with 12,000 subscribers and have a great opportunity to grow considerably.

Though this page indicates 3,700 attendees, it’s actually over 4,300 now according to the graphic on the home page. Here’s the WiMAX World conference schedule and you can pick up a free WiMAX World Expo Pass too.