Why wait? While 3G networks are stuck in wireless limbo, Wi-Fi is growing by leaps and bounds.(Digital Edge)(third generation)

They've become a staple of cellular advertising on TV--those videoconferencing, mobile sales force and other whoop-de-doo applications that will turn cell phones and wireless PDAs into offices away from the office. But it could be a while before your automobile console can replace your desk. Wifeless companies are still building the Third Generation (3G) networks that are supposed to jumpstart the revenues and productivity of America's 40 million road warriors. But a three-year recession, a pile of debt and a slowdown in new subscribers make carriers reluctant to give a date for delivery on the 3G deal.

By year-end, most cell networks will top out at dial-up modem speeds--on a good day. Even when the 3G switch gets thrown--years from now, analysts reckon--Internet data will still flow at a not-so-zippy 70Kbps to 150Kbps.

Meanwhile, at the office--and at coffee shops, gas stations, bookstores, hotels and airports across America--high-speed wireless zones are sprouting like mushrooms after a rain. Wi-Fi (802.11) networks already deliver 10 to 20 times that of cellular networks over a short distance with lots of headroom for more bandwidth, range and traffic capacity.

Wi-Fi wasn't designed for wide-area transmissions, so it's unlikely this local-area technology will replace cellular net entirely. But by 2004, at least 1 million Wi-Fi access points will be broadcasting to 3 million client nodes across America, some of which could relay data as well, says In-Stat/MDR senior analyst Allen Nogee.

Why not stitch them all together? Analysts and even wireless providers can see mobile work force applications and other 3G data services jumping between 3G and Wi-Fi networks, depending on the application and your location.

Follow-on Wi-Fi flavors like 802.11a include data security and more bandwidth. Companies like San Francisco start-up Vivato have technology to extend the outdoor range of 802.11 access points--up to four miles for Vivato's 802.11 switch. Wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) could create broadband data service areas in cities and suburban areas for businesses and multitenant buildings with just a few inexpensive Wi-Fi access points.

Some WISPs in America's heartland already do this using Wi-Fi with other wireless technologies. Technically, they could add VOIP services in under-populated areas where wireless carriers can't afford to build cell towers.