WiFi sprouting in face of naysayers

By Frank Barnako , CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 10:23 AM ET July 11, 2003

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Wireless Internet access: It's not just for Starbucks anymore.

WiFi on the rise despite forecasts of money losses


Merchants and entrepreneurs are installing WiFi access points and hot spots in truck stops, RV parks, laundromats and other places. IDockUSA.com is lighting up West Coast marinas for boat owners Beach Wireless Inc. is selling hourly-access or monthly flat rate services to retailers and other businesses eager to generate customer visits. The rush to set up wireless networks flies in the face of analyst forecasts, which say most operators are losing money. Gartner Group nonetheless believes there will be 53,000 WiFi networks nationally in five years.