WiFi Hotspots...Being Phased Out Like Telephone Booths?

The demise of WiFi hotspots is another disruptive event with many winners and losers.

Ericsson marketing officer is predicting the demise of hotspots

As mobile broadband takes off, Wi-Fi hotspots will become as irrelevant as telephone booths, Ericsson Chief Marketing Officer Johan Bergendahl said Monday.

Mobile broadband is growing faster than mobile or fixed telephony ever did, Bergendahl said.

"Hotspots at places like Starbucks are becoming the telephone boxes of the broadband era," said Bergendahl. In Austria they are saying that mobile broadband will pass fixed broadband this year.

Is the decline in Starbucks business already reflecting this?

If WiFi hotspots are becoming outdated, what major hardware company could face a slowdown?

What company(s) provide the solutions for mobile broadband?

What retailers (other than Starbucks) rely on WiFi service as a selling tool? Hotels, restaurants etc. How much revenue will be lost if travelers no longer require broadband through the hotels?

What major internet provider for the lodging industry should be changing their business?