Number of global hotspots to soar to 7,800 in 2004: ITRI.

(From Taiwan Economic News)

Taipei, May 25, 2004 (CENS)--The number of global wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, or hotspots, will reach 78,000 this year, up 80% from last year, according to Taiwan's industrial think tank, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). ITRI industry analyst Chou Jun-cheng said that the hotspot number is expected to rise further to over 114,000 around the world next year and over 180,000 in 2007, with major growths seen in Asia and North America

Chou pointed out that the major growth momentum in Asia will come from the aggressive spot construction by major fixed-line telecom carriers in South Korea, especially …