Introduction
Wireless communication is by far the most widely spread and fastest-growing sector of the communication industry. It has mesmerized our civilization to a great extent. In the year 1985, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened numerous bands of wireless spectrum. These bands could be used freely even without government authorization. As such, Wi-Fi came into existence due to the vision of an engineer of FCC named Michael Marcus.
About the topic of this essay, it was in September 2008 that Mayor Boris Johnson expressed his concern on the BBC to make London a Wi-Fi city. “Let’s do it, beginning in Stratford in this fantastic area of opportunity.” (As cited in BBC London 2010). The mayor was referring to the venue of the 2012 Olympics. The project was named Wi-Fi London. The existing cable system could be used for Wi-Fi enabling the street lamp posts, bus stops, etc.
Presently, the city of London has 95% coverage and the company that provided this wireless network was ‘The Cloud’. The Chief Executive Officer of The Cloud, Steve Nicholson, said, “I suspect Boris is articulating his thoughts around how we can conceptually deliver a Wi-Fi service across all key London boroughs to create a Wi-Fi city.
The Cloud has multiple networks similar to what Boris describes, in the Nordics, and of course in the City of London, which is mounted on street furniture.” (As cited in BBC London 2010). The Cloud, a BSkyB company, is the United Kingdom’s largest provider of free Wi-Fi access and has recently bagged a five-year contract (extension) to provide free Wi-Fi access in London.
Another company eying the lucrative opportunity is Nokia. Virgin Media was also trying to negotiate with the London boroughs and councils to provide free Wi-Fi. Nokia has recently (November 2011) launched free Wi-Fi at 26 hotspots across central London. Most of these hotspots are in and around Oxford Street. This will be a two months’ trial period in which, any person who has a Wi-Fi enabled device, will be able to access the internet, provided the person is near one of the hotspots and has accepted the ‘Terms of Use’. The service will not be confined to Nokia’s handsets. A person with any other brand of handsets will also be able to access the Wi-Fi with the same facilities.
According to an article published in CBR Communications Mobility, “The Finnish mobile giant has teamed up with Wi-Fi provider spectrum Interactive to initially offer the service in 26 hotspots across England’s capital, although many are located along Oxford Street and none are south of the river Thames.” (CBR Communications Mobility 2011). It is noticeable that to access the Wi-Fi facility provided by The Cloud, a person had to become a customer in any of the hotspots where The Cloud’s Wi-Fi was available.
The objective of this essay is to outline the features of Wi-Fi connectivity and evaluate the differences between a Wi-Fi network and other available networking options. The essay will also analyze the benefits and limitations of Wi-Fi to the London Olympics in 2012.
Main Body
Wireless technology is gaining popularity and worldwide acceptance for domestic as well as business purposes. As the technology is getting better and advanced, the price for such technology is coming down. As compared to a wired network, a wireless network has its advantages and disadvantages. The major benefits of a wireless network are mobility and abandonment of cables. And the major disadvantages are lack of connectivity due to bad weather and hindrance from barriers like walls.
Wireless Topologies
Examples of wireless devices include; cellular phones, pagers, home entertainment systems for example VCR’s and hi-fi sound systems, cordless telephones, wireless local area networks (LAN), satellite television, two-way radios, cordless computer peripheral devices for example the cordless mouse, a global positioning system (GPS) used in ships and motor vehicles to determine their location and baby monitors (Firestone, 2004).
Examples of wireless communication technology include; Wireless application protocol (WAP)- used to standardize wireless devices for internet access, i-mode- used in smartphones for internet browsing, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) a broadband system servicing mobile computer and cellular phones, enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), general data GSM environment and global system for mobile communication (GSM). Following are some examples of wireless technologies:
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi as a term originates from the term Hi-Fi that defines a type of output produced by quality music devices. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity which covers technologies that fall under the IEEE 802.11. Modern devices are now inbuilt with this Wi-Fi technology. This does not rule out those that who do not have external devices can be used to access this technology. On cellular phones, if the feature is activated the device will automatically pick the Wi-Fi signals in the location and indicate the host. That is how open the airwaves are and this exposed users to risks and gives intruders an advantage. To prevent this it may be wise to activate the technology only in a secure location. This technology extends from radios that transmit and receive radio waves simultaneously.
Wired Equivalent Privacy
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a security protocol, specified in the IEEE Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) standard, 802.11, that is designed to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) with a level of security and privacy comparable to what is usually expected of a wired LAN (Karygiannis et al 2002).
Wired Application Protocol (WAP)
WAP is a standard for providing cellular telephones, pagers, and other handheld devices with secure access to e-mail and text-based Web pages. Introduced in 1997 by Phone.com, Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia, WAP provides a complete environment for wireless applications. WAP features the Wireless Markup Language (WML) and is a streamlined version of HTML for small-screen displays. It also uses WML Script, a compact JavaScript-like language that runs in limited memory. WAP also supports handheld input methods, such as keypad and voice recognition. It is also device-independent, requiring only a minimum functionality in the unit to permit use with a myriad of telephones and handheld devices (Karygiannis and Owens, 2005).
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A means by which certain authorized individuals (such as remote employees) can gain secure access to an organization’s intranet using an extranet (a part of the internal network that is accessible via the Internet) (Karygiannis and Owens 2002).
Smart Cards
A credit card has an inbuilt microprocessor and memory that is used for identification or financial transactions. When inserted into a reader, the card transfers data to and from a central computer. Smart cards are more secure than magnetic stripe cards since they can be programmed to seize operating if the wrong password is entered repeatedly.
In the past, handheld devices such as mobile phones had limited functionality mainly due to their size and power. With time, technology has been improving, and handheld devices have increased features and are more portable. The mobile phone, for instance, has increased functionality that now allows it to serve as a PDA (personal digital assistant) as well as a phone. The size has reduced and they are portable they can easily be hidden by one palm.
Compared to the past technologies where they were larger. Smartphones are merging mobile phone and PDA technologies to provide normal voice service and email, text messaging, paging, Web access, and voice recognition (Raghavendra, Sivalingham & Zriati 2006).
Other developments include a global system for mobile communications-based (GSM-based) technologies such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS), enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS). These new developments will present security risks, and government agencies must address these risks to ensure that critical assets remain protected. (Stallings, 2010)
Global Implications
Today we can see a mobile phone in the hands of almost everyone. Studies have proved that the waves emanating from the mobile phone are hazardous to human health. In this regard, Amy Rosenthal wrote, “Recent research shows long-term cell phone use associated with a higher risk of health effects, so the current standard may not adequately take into account the potential effects of a lifetime of cell phone talking, especially for those who begin at a young age.” (Rosenthal, 2009)
From past experiences, we have noticed that some people with wrong intentions match the frequencies and get information that is being transmitted. This information is then misappropriated and used for the disadvantage of the human race. Care should be exercised on the deployment of wireless security and the implementation of standards. If this is not done properly at the onset then implications are magnified throughout the globe. There is a need to maintain secure wireless networks. This can be done efficiently by understanding the topology of the networks. The technical aspects of the network are the keys to the global sustainability of communication.
There is a necessity to keep track of devices and conduct random checks on wireless devices. This aids to identify and remove possible intruders before the information is harmful. Governments for an instant have sensitive intelligence files stored. If this information is placed in the wrong hands it can have severe consequences. Nations can go to war due to this information. Poor relations can be created due to these surveillance data.
Good secure networks on the other hand enhance user mobility. One can obtain information and conduct business without covering any distance. This facilitates fast trade and connectivity. In so doing a global village is created. These networks provide rapid installation without adding wires and changing infrastructure.
There are health and environmental concerns raised regarding the use of wireless communication. This technology used electromagnetic fields and it has its effect on health and the environment.
There has to be measured to minimize exposure to these fields of waves. Most people use it to access information because of the mobility advantage. The young generation is not left out. This is the hot spot for entertainment and news. The regulatory frameworks have to provide measures to protect the population from adverse effects. Any person can have access to information in a blink of an eye. By simply swiping a phone or touch on the touchpad access to sites is gained. The advantages should be weighed against the long term effects on the environment and people (Carlos, 2001).
Mobile phones have come a long way as far as the features are concerned. The operating system and huge available memory allow people to store company information so that it can be retrieved at times of urgencies. But such acts can prove to be dangerous if the handset is lost or misplaced. If it falls in the wrong hands, it can be used against the company. According to an article in Smart Data, “A lot of sensitive information is easily accessible on your phones these days, especially with the trend of using personal devices in workplace environments.
Corporate emails, social media accounts, and bank apps are on our phones to check at our convenience daily with most of our passwords saved on each account for easy access.” (Smart Data, 2011). According to Tom Illube, “Over the last year, there has been a 207% increase in account takeover fraud, where criminals try and access existing accounts rather than using stolen identities.” (As cited in Watchdog 2009). Wireless communication is advantageous to the global village but there are risks involved in the underlining technology. This risk lies in the communication medium which is the airwaves. Airwaves are open to intruders of any kind.
This can lead to a loss of confidentiality and denial of service. Persons may have access to unauthorized data and network bandwidth. Sensitive data may end up in the wrong hands or be corrupted. Handheld devices on the other hand that uses wireless technology are easily stolen. This places information in the wrong hands. With the loss of data, people are exposed to risk. For instance, individuals may store personal information on their handheld devices. Stolen the intruders may use the information to blackmail or even gain access to close family members of the data owner. Family members may be held at ransom due to the information (Stallings & Brown 2008).
Internet Users
A recent survey done by the Office for National Statics showed the following results:
- 45 percent of internet users used a mobile phone to connect to the internet
- 6 million people accessed the internet over their mobile phone for the first time in the previous 12 months.
- The use of wireless hotspots almost doubled in the last 12 months to 4.9 million users.
- 21 percent of internet users did not believe their skills were sufficient to protect their data.
- 77 percent of households had internet access.
Following are some tables that show some interesting results about mobile and internet users:
Table 1: Household internet access (Base: All GB households). Source: Office for National Statistics.
Table 2: Household internet (Base: All GB households). Source: Office for National Statistics.
Table 3: Internet users who connect via a mobile phone, GB, 2011. Source: Office for National Statistics.
London as a Wi-Fi zone
The topic of concern is whether a complete Wi-Fi zone for the City of London is required or not. In this regard, some people may argue that most of the London city is already having Wi-Fi accessibility. Almost all of the recreational joints like restaurants, bars, etc., have this facility. But the target of making London a complete Wi-Fi zone is not such spots but the streets of London and open spaces that don’t have this facility at the moment.
Social networking is on the rise nowadays and as such the move of making London a complete Wi-Fi zone will enable the users of such networking sites to be in constant touch. Moreover, due to the invention of modern technology, the pace of business also has become faster. One has to act fast to be in the race. This is possible only if the person has access to the internet all the time and at all places. A complete Wi-Fi zone will enable such business professionals to a great extent.
The Internet can indeed be accessed through mobile phones also but the speed of downloading is much faster in a Wi-Fi network. Another probable drawback with accessing the internet through mobile phones is that while on the move (traveling) as one passes through different cells, the connection of the signals might go on and off at times, hence hampering or slowing down the ongoing download. There is also a possibility of being charged by different network services if one accesses the internet on a mobile phone and is traveling. According to Simon Harrington, Marketing and Business Development Director of CBS Outdoor UK, “Connecting on the move is an essential part of modern life.
Whether you’re a commuter or a tourist, we all want to be able to find our way around, check emails, update social media, or browse on the move.” (As cited in CBS Outdoor 2011). Also “Free Wi-Fi allows greater interaction between Outdoor advertising and a brands’ online presence, strengthening the ability to deliver an immediate call to action, drive people to websites or online stores, and to make purchases. With the London 2012 Olympics only eight months away, this development couldn’t come at a better time.” (As cited in CBS Outdoor 2011).
Governments work towards the betterment of its citizens. It has to take care of the all-round development of the country and its people. Also, the image in the world circuit is of utmost importance. Now since the Olympics are the world’s top-rated games, it would be beneficial for London to be made a total Wi-Fi zone. People from all around the world would be gathering here, either to participate or to watch the games.
Many of them would be coming for the first time. London has a great image worldwide. And this Wi-Fi thing would be a new feather in its cap. When people come and experience the comfort and easiness of having all the required information on their hand-held devices, they will surely have a positive opinion about London, or to a greater extent, about Great Britain. Simon is right in his opinion because people who visit London during the Olympics 2012 games will not be here just for the sake of the games.
They will do sight-seeing and shopping as well. With the previous arrangement of Wi-Fi, people would have to go to the designated hotspots to access the internet for any kind of information. This would have cost them money as well as time. But by the introduction of free Wi-Fi, they will be able to access the internet while they are on the move. This way, they will be able to utilize the duration of their stay in London.
The plan has taken shape and has been executed as well but of course as a trial run only. This is the largest such project initiated by Nokia. It is planned that the hotspots are to be set on phone boxes that are the property of Spectrum Interactive – Nokia’s partner in this project. Although the web links will run at a speed of 20 megabits per second, yet the user will be able to download data at a maximum speed of 1 megabit to enable other users to make use of the service.
Within these two months of the trial period, Nokia will be able to gather data regarding the way people use the Wi-Fi facility. Provided all goes well and as planned, Nokia plans to extend this service to the remaining parts of London as well by March 2012. This will be a suitable time of completion because the summer Olympics 2012 shall start at that time. People coming to London to watch the London Olympic games 2012 will also benefit from this move.
The best advantage for these tourists will be the help they will get from Wi-Fi in searching for the routes to their destinations. The latest development in this field is the launching of a website that will provide information on the transportation system like queuing time at railway stations. A successful trial for Wi-Fi access at the tube railway stations has already been done at the Charing Cross Tube station.
It is beyond doubt that the tourists visiting London during the Summer Olympics 2012 will be bringing their latest devices along with them to access information on the progress of the games and also other information. As such, there is a strong possibility of a capacity crisis. Capacity here means the downloading competence of the provider to cope with the rising demand. There is also a possibility that the network providers might limit the usage by subscribers of rival network providers. It means there is a catch in what all is being said and done. It is expected that an estimated 1 million tourists will be visiting London during the summer Olympic Games.
So unless thousands of hotspots are made available, the demand will not be met and there will chaos everywhere. Neil Berkett, Chief Executive of Virgin Media thinks that the procedures being followed are very slow and there are chances that the summer Olympic Games might miss the introduction of a complete Wi-Fi zone in London. He was commenting on the Mayor, Boris Johnson’s fear that during the Olympic Games, the network operators might be under heavy pressure from the customers demanding Wi-Fi.
Most of the latest mobile phones can switch from their 3G networks to Wi-Fi networks, provided the Wi-Fi facility is available in that particular area. Since Wi-Fi is cheaper and faster, people will want to switch over to a Wi-Fi network. The possibility of a capacity crisis is quite strong unless a considerable network is developed before time.
Even if we consider the possibility of the required network being developed in time, it is understood that all the users will not be able to access the network with the same speed of downloading. Although it will be free for all the users, there will be speed limits for users of other networks or those who are not the customers of the network that they will be using. Time limit is also another possibility. Like for example, Virgin Media proposes to offer 20 times faster speed to its customers than those who are not the customers or those who are guest users. One of the bidders for the Wi-Fi networks has also proposed a daily time limit of fifteen minutes of usage.
While Virgin Media is planning outdoor networks through transmitters on lamp posts and bus stops, O2 and BT have proposed indoor networks (in hotels, pubs, etc.). According to Laura June, 120 Wi-Fi hotspots have been added to different locations throughout the Underground railway system. People traveling by the Tubes in London will be able to further their chatting on BBM. This move will be welcomed by all the BlackBerry users at least.
We all know that it will be very helpful to all of us but very few of us will be aware of the fact that it is not an easy job. Lots of work and finance are involved in this process. The installation of the required transmitters and other implements will be very expensive. To cover the costs, the Mayor has proposed to levy some subscription charges that have to be paid by users.
When there are talks of a complete Wi-Fi zone for London how can the so important bus network be left behind? According to the Director of Environment and Digital London, Kulveer Ranger, people will soon be able to access Wi-Fi while on the bus network. He said this keeping in view the Mayor’s drive to improve connectivity in London. According to Ranger, 8000 buses in London make 6.5 million trips a day. Going by figures, it is a huge convoy. Even if we take into consideration the possibility that on an average 10 people take the bus on a single trip, the total number of daily passengers is 65 million. If these 65 million passengers are allowed to have free access to Wi-Fi during the Olympics 2012, it will be a boost to the Wi-Fi system.
One of the many motives behind making London a Wi-Fi zone is to promote advertising. The guests, who will be visiting London during the Olympics 2012, will need information on various aspects. So if all the information is available to them on their palm, they will be more than happy. Companies will be able to advertise their information and products via Wi-Fi. The network provider will charge an advertising fee for this.
But the companies and businesses will not mind paying such charges because they will be able to promote their products at a cheaper price and to a greater number of people. The Mayor has advised the “small and medium-sized businesses” to take maximum possible advantage of the new system. He urged them to act immediately and start preparing for the biggest event. They ought to have their business online to make the best use of the new system of the London Wi-Fi zone being introduced. Being online will allow its employees to stay in touch from anywhere and at any given point in time. The business houses all over London will be able to operate remotely with a very low or absolutely no cost.
The small and medium-sized businesses are the key players in London’s economy so the Mayor is stressing on these to come forward and take part in the ongoing attempt for the betterment of the people of London. Mayor Boris Johnson said, “The 2012 Games will be the first truly digital Games and will mark a milestone towards my aim to make London the digital capital of Europe. So get online, stay in touch, and make sure you’re not left standing on the starting blocks.” (Degun 2011).
It is understood that some of the visitors coming to watch the London Olympics 2012 might have their relatives or friends in London who may provide boarding and lodging to them. But most of the visitors will either be new to London or will not have any of their friends or relatives residing there. So they will have to look for some hotels to stay in. The Wi-Fi service will be able to provide details about all the available hotels in the area. This will be beneficial for the visitors as well as for the hoteliers.
The visitors will benefit in the context that they will have authentic and ready information and they will not have to bother themselves about the irony of searching hotels of their choice. The hoteliers will benefit in the context that they will be able to advertise to the masses at a nominal cost, as compared to high costs in other mediums of advertisements like television, hoardings, etc.
According to reports in The Financial Times, O2 has been assigned the job of offering free Wi-Fi to users during the summer Olympics 2012 in London. It defeated Virgin Media and Sky to clinch the deal. O2 executives also confirmed this deal but said that the company hadn’t signed on the dotted lines as yet. This was on 16 December 2011. According to the Inquirer, “The service will provide users of smart phones, tablets, and laptops with free and unlimited Wi-Fi access.
O2 will begin installing the network next month throughout the borough’s lamp posts and bus stops so it will be ready in time for the games.” (Inquirer 2011). There are possibilities that the Wi-Fi service will be continued even after the Olympic Games but it will not be free.
The earlier occasion when London hosted the Olympics was in the year 1948. These Olympic Games were conducted after a gap of 12 years. Previously they were held in Germany in 1936. 1948 was a period when the United Kingdom was in almost a bankrupt situation due to World War II. Now after 64 years, the Olympic Games are again being hosted by London. There have been many changes since then. The most important and of course the greatest change or development has been the rise in computer and information technology.
It is estimated that not less than 5000 IT jobs shall be created by the various companies involved in the IT sector and those which have something to do with the Olympic Games 2012. According to reports, on average IT professional earns 48,562 pounds per annum. The total amount for 5000 employees computes to 250.10 million per year. This is a massive amount and will surely improve the economy of the country at large.
Cybercrime will be one of the major issues during the Olympic Games 2012. The Metropolitan Police has set up two teams of specialists to deal with cyber crimes such as hacking and fraud in ticketing during the games. One team will be responsible for tackling the e-crimes such as hacking and the other will take care of the frauds in ticketing. The recruitment drive is already in progress and is headed by Charlie McMurdie, Detective Superintendent.
It is the fact of an experience that during various festivals and national holidays, people tend to use their phones to a greater extent. And occasions like Olympic Games will increase this to a greater extent because apart from the usual residents of the capital city, there will be a great number of people using the networks. As such there will be mobile congestions all over. People may have to face disappointment while logging in or downloading data due to this congestion. Nowadays a sizeable number of people are using mobile phones to access the internet and when they get free Wi-Fi to access, the amount of accessibility will increase.
But we hope that the concerned authorities and the companies involved in the process can cope with this immense traffic and make the experience of Wi-Fi worth remembering (in a good sense). The irony here is that the officials engaged in this field during the Olympics Games 2012 will be using the same networks to relay data relating to any specific problem. The congestion may hamper or delay the data transfer and as a result, the functioning or competence may be at risk. According to the Mayor, “There will be a maximum strain on the city’s mobile phone network during the next summer’s Olympics.” With a huge number of users downloading and uploading data, there is bound to be an infrastructure failure.
Although the authorities are trying hard to install the required hotspots yet the time is running out. The authorities have to pull up their socks to meet the deadlines and deadlines. According to Mayor Boris Johnson, “We have to be realistic, and in the 100 meters final or whatever it happens to be, people will want to download huge quantities all over the world.” (Rasmussen 2011). Reuters also commented on the Wi-Fi system being introduced in London on the eve of Olympic Games 2012, “They will want to be sending huge quantities of data in JPEG format or film or whatever, and that will place a massive strain on the network.” (Rasmussen 2011).
Apart from providing free Wi-Fi access to the public, the authorities have taken into consideration the recreational aspect also. People will be able to play online Mario and Sonic Game during the London Olympic Games 2012.
The prices have not been finalized as yet but there are speculations that a person opting for the Wi-Fi connection will have to pay five pounds per hour or 9.99 pounds per day, depending on the supplier. But free Wi-Fi will be accessible from hotspots like hotels, pubs, etc. It is noticeable that the free version is full of threats as far as the security of data is concerned. The security that will be utilized in the London Wi-Fi is not yet clear. But there has to be certain security from such threats.
London Mayor Boris Johnson has promised to have the city 100% covered with Wi-Fi by the time the city holds the 2012 Olympics, notes the BBC. Johnson says he hopes to have ‘every lamppost, every bus stop’ wired with the technology, and twenty-two London boroughs have signed on to the plan so far. As Techdirt notes, you have to wonder how the UK government – which just passed laws requiring ISPs suspend the accounts of copyright violators – plans to keep all of those users off of the London network. (Bode 2010)
Conclusion
It is beyond doubt that the step being taken by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson in making London a Wi-Fi zone is in the greater interests of the citizens. At the same time, the initiative was taken and the subsequent successful execution will further enhance the country’s image. By doing so, the United Kingdom will become the first digital country in Europe. Indeed, the task is not easy but the credit should be given to the Mayor for his foresightedness and approach.
The main task for introducing any new technology is public opinion. By far, the London public is in favor of the new technology of Wi-Fi. Everyone will welcome with open arms a new technology that is faster and cheaper and is available anywhere at any time. The same is the case with Wi-Fi being introduced in London. People will be able to access the internet literally from anywhere throughout London. As mentioned above, plans are underway to make access to the internet possible in the underground trains as well. If this happens, it will be beyond comparison.
Not only will the visitors who come to watch the Olympics 2012 but also the residents of London be able to benefit from this service. And residents consist of homemakers, students, teachers, businesses, employees, etc. Games are meant for recreation. As such the homemakers who are not able to go to the stadium will be able to watch the games in the luxury of home. The students will be able to gather information regarding any of their future projects based on the Olympic Games 2012 and teachers on their part will be able to frame questions for exams.
Businesses will be able to garner more customers by way of advertisement and that too at very nominal or maybe at no cost. Employees will be able to report to their bosses about the developments within no time and from anywhere. This will help them in transferring crucial data at the nick of time. Such information could be used to further promote or expand the business.
The visitors will benefit in the context that they will not have to worry about the hassles of searching for information. Everything will be available on their handheld devices. May it be hotel reservations, food joints, transportation, directions to destinations, program guides, program updates, etc. London is a beautiful city and of great historical importance. The visitors will also be able to get handy information about sightseeing.
Only one hitch is there regarding the proper functioning of the system. And that is the huge amount of data that will be downloaded and uploaded during the Olympic Games. This may crunch the whole system.
Also, the cyber-security remains a concern for the users. Cybercriminals can operate from anywhere and as such, it is a little difficult to trace such criminals. Although the authorities have formed teams to tackle the issue yet the fear is still there.
One good thing that is being proposed is that London will remain a Wi-Fi zone. What if certain charges are levied on the use of such service? At least people will be able to access the internet whenever and wherever they want. This will raise the living standards of the people as well. If used properly and healthily, Wi-Fi can be very useful.
The point to be noticed is that the mobile service providers will be at a loss of revenue because when a person will be able to use the Wi-Fi service for all his/her internet requirements, why will he/she subscribe for the costly mobile internet.
Today’s generation is very internet savvy. Moreover, after the initialization of the Wi-Fi, access to the internet will be very easy. Unless there is someone to advise them about the rights and wrongs, they may be targets of the wrongdoings. So to save our children from going the wrong way, we should educate them and inculcate good surfing habits in them.
It is for sure that once everything falls into place and the actual use of Wi-Fi is executed, it will be a remarkable feat, not only on the part of Mayor Boris Johnson but also on the people engaged in this process. Everyone will have done a great job. The event will be written in the pages of the history of London and there will be accolades and praises for the one man who had this vision and worked energetically towards implementing it. We all have to wait and see what the future holds for Wi-Fi in London. But looking at the speed and way of the work being carried out, it is expected that the authorities will be able to live up to the expectations and soon London will be a total Wi-Fi zone.
Six-Part Speech
First Part
Mayor Boris Johnson had this vision of making London a complete Wi-Fi zone. He worked enthusiastically towards his aim and now it seems that his dreams will soon come true. But few believe that all this exercise is futile in the context that almost all the recreational joints like hotels, restaurants, pubs, etc., already have this facility. So why is all this unnecessary expenditure being done? But since the aim is to make London a complete Wi-Fi zone, it means even the open areas and streets of London. Moreover, the present facility that people talk about (in recreational joints) is not free in some sense. One has to buy something to have space in such recreational joints. So where is the free factor? So this is not at all a valid reason against making London a total Wi-Fi zone.
Second Part
As we all will agree, the Olympics are the most famous and prestigious games of all in the world. As such the London summer Olympics 2012 are of great importance. The authorities have decided to provide free Wi-Fi to the users during these games. This will be a welcome gesture to the guests visiting London to watch the Olympics games 2012. O2 has been awarded the contract to provide free Wi-Fi to the users during the games.
It defeated Virgin Media and Sky to bag this contract. O2 is doing all the preparatory groundwork on the war-front required for uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity. Transmitters are being installed at the lampposts and bus stands to give maximum coverage. According to reports, once this complete exercise is over, the London Wi-Fi will be the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe.
Third Part
London is of great importance historically as well as economically. Mayor Boris Johnson wants to enhance the image of London. Initializing the move of making London a free Wi-Fi zone during the Olympic Games, will leave an everlasting impression on the guests. Governments work towards the betterment of its citizens. It has to take care of the all-round development of the country and its people. Also, the image in the world circuit is of utmost importance.
Now since the Olympics are the world’s top-rated games, it would be beneficial for London to be made a total Wi-Fi zone. People from all around the world would be gathering here, either to participate or to watch the games. Many of them would be coming for the first time. London has a great image worldwide. And this Wi-Fi thing would be a new feather in its cap. When people come and experience the comfort and easiness of having all the required information on their hand-held devices, they will surely have a positive opinion about London, or to a greater extent, about Great Britain.
Fourth Part
In every work that is done for the masses, there are certain advantages and disadvantages as well. Similar is the case with the Wi-Fi for London. But the advantages are more than the disadvantages in this case. The best part, at least during the Olympic Games, is that the service will be free for all users. People will not be levied any charges for surfing the internet. They will be able to get all the required information about the progress of the games on their handheld devices.
They will not have to go through the harassment of running here and there. Searching for suitable hotels is a big headache, especially when there are so many visitors at the same time. This facility will help them to search for their preferred hotels in no time. About 5000 jobs are expected to be created in wake of the proposed service. Several other benefits are listed in the main essay.
Fifth Part
One of the main disadvantages is the security of the data. Even on normal days, people are subject to hacking and at a time of such a big event, there ought to be more such cases. Moreover, owing to the huge masses, it will be a tough job for the cyber police to track such miscreants. Various teams have been formed to tackle this menace. People are keeping their fingers crossed in this respect. Another disadvantage concerning the games is that there will be a lot of internet traffic and as such there are chances of the complete system being choked due to the huge amount of data they will be downloaded and uploaded.
Sixth Part
Overall, the proposal of making London a total Wi-Fi zone is a very brilliant idea. Mayor Boris Johnson deserves all the accolades and praises for his endless work. The people engaged in this process are also doing a commendable job. Everyone will have done a great job. The event will be written in the pages of the history of London and there will be accolades and praises for the one man who had this vision and worked energetically towards implementing it. We all have to wait and see what the future holds for Wi-Fi in London. But looking at the speed and way of the work being carried out, it is expected that the authorities will be able to live up to the expectations and soon London will be a total Wi-Fi zone.
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