Wi-Fi Gaining, But Providers' Profits Aren't Is It A Viable Business? Analysts and executives divided on prospects for hot wireless trend.(A)

Byline: MIKE ANGELL

Many hotels, coffee shops and airports are installing Wi-Fi hot spots to let portable computers and devices access the Internet wirelessly.

Although there's no doubt Wi-Fi is a convenience for users, some question whether anyone can make money providing Wi-Fi service.

Wi-Fi service providers have hit trouble spots, though the technology still has a lot of fans.

"We've been saying for a while that the market just isn't large enough," said Jane Zweig, who heads the Shosteck Group wireless research firm.

Others disagree.

Wi-Fi hot-spot networks "are on the cusp of getting big," said Alan Promisel, an analyst for International Data Corp.

Opinions vary greatly because Wi-Fi, which stands for …