Most of the latest wireless-enabled gadgets (PDAs, Cell Phones, Pagers, Portable Computers, etc.) now include a direct uplink to the Internet.

Even though they often differ in terms of the wireless frequency spectrum used, the type of modulation employed, and the bandwidth they provide; most of them have one thing in common -a predefined route to a wireless router/gateway that is supposed to provide an apparently seamless connectivity to the Internet.

Whereas there has been a significant increase in the number of TELCOs (Verizon Wireless, AT T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint Wireless, etc.) and WISPs that now provide nationwide (or even international) access to Wireless Internet Services that (usually) includes roaming capability for a relatively small monthly fee, a large majority of users still connect to the Internet using a fixed wireless internet gateway located within close proximity of their wifi-enabled devices.

Wireless Internet Access in most service industry locations -be it hospitality industry establishments, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Conference Centers, Expo Halls, Sports Arenas, or Tourist Attractions, just to list a few -is still being provisioned using a set of well-designed wifi cells that blanket a predefined service area.

Cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are working on providing advertiser funded wireless Internet access to all their residents -especially within downtown and business district areas. Many metropolitan cities through out USA and Canada are reportedly in the process of providing advertiser funded wifi coverage to their residents.

However, as the usage grows, so the congestion. Currently, most wireless Internet access devices are based on either IEEE 802.11 or 802.11b operating between 2.4 and 2.4835 GHz frequency range. As 2.4GHz frequency band becomes more congested, therefore, the install base of 5.725 - 5.825 GHz (IEEE 802.11a) based devices is expected to grow.