Although the number of Wi-Fi hotspots is exploding it's clamed that they will become obsolete in the near future.

As you would expect the claims come from the mobile industry, Ericsson's chief marketing officer to be precise, who was speaking to delegates at the European Computer Audit, Control and Security Conference in Stockholm.

While using mobile broadband maybe more convenient than having to find a hotspot, there are two flaws in his argument. The first is regards to the speed difference between a Wi-Fi connection and using a mobile device, but this a minor problem with carriers improving their networks.

The main problem is down to cost, using a Wi-Fi connection at say Starbucks, costs the user nothing and there is no commitment. A mobile connection on the other hand is likely much more expensive, even though Bergendahl says that it could be as low as €20 a month.