The Current State Of Wireless Connectivity

By Brian Albright, Field Technologies magazine

Faster networks and network-agnostic devices are giving end users a wider variety of connectivity options.

Wireless connectivity continues to expand for field service organizations and other enterprises that rely on mobile technology for critical business functions. According to prominent wireless service and equipment vendors surveyed by Field Technologies, the expansion of 4G/LTE wireless networks is one of the top trends in the wireless space that will affect how companies use these networks. Almost as important, however, are the types of devices they are using as tablets and smartphones displace laptops.

“As tablet functionality and choice grows, companies are experimenting with the substitution of laptop computers with high-performing tablets,” says John Tantum, CEO of DataXoom. “If successful (as expected), the current distinction between tablets and computers may disappear. These devices, particularly tablets, are no longer tied to specific networks or technologies. This gives enterprises much greater flexibility to move their devices from one mobile operator to another as their needs change, or to save money.”