AUSTIN, Texas -- The Wi-Fi Alliance, in partnership with Tonse Telecom, has released a new 60-page report entitled "The Future for Wi-Fi in India: Opportunities and Challenges." The report outlines the emerging Wi-Fi ecosystem in India, profiles innovative companies and institutions that are leveraging the technology, and predicts that as laptop adoption and broadband penetration increase, Wi-Fi will experience wide adoption already seen in other markets.

The study was commissioned by the Wi-Fi Alliance as part of industry development efforts which include outreach visits to members and potential members, government organizations, and investors, as well as the launch in August 2006 of a pre-certification lab in partnership with Wipro Technologies in Bangalore.

"India is emerging as a very important and exciting market for our members, both in-country and worldwide," said Wi-Fi Alliance managing director Frank Hanzlik. "This paper details the wide range of opportunities there, from urban and rural broadband deployments, to product development, to services and software."

Among the key findings in the paper:

"From government, to industry, to academia, there is tremendous enthusiasm in India for Wi-Fi technology," said Sridhar T. Pai, Chief Executive of Tonse Telecom. "Our research found that a strong ecosystem is forming and triggering innovation that will benefit individuals and businesses globally."

"Wi-Fi Alliance programs, including interoperability and security testing, will be key enablers of Wi-Fi adoption in India, much as they have been in other markets worldwide," said Frank Hanzlik. "Wi-Fi certification will help ensure users have the very best experience with Wi-Fi technology at home, at work, and on the road."

Wi-Fi Alliance