Now that wide-area wireless network operators recognize Wi-Fi hotspots as complementary to their advanced packet-data networks, they will end up owning or leasing most of today's hotspots and will build out coverage.

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Floyd founded Efficient in 1993 with the idea of using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), an industrial-strength packet technology, to route data around local area networks.

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Japanese users pay by the packet for the data they use on DoCoMo's networks, but Americans, accustomed to flat-fee Net and phone deals, may balk at pay-per-use pricing that can result in month-end sticker shock.

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Analysts say enabling technologies like GPRS (a packet-networking upgrade for GSM networks) and WAP will spur the growth of data and multimedia services, as well as drive corporate use of mobile data services.

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The smart phone market will only take off when technologies such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) are implemented in mobile networks, enabling faster transfer rates of data via mobile phone, she said.

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An internal retractable modem will enable a user to connect with some of the most popular wireless networks today, including Motient's DataTAC, BellSouth's Mobitex and CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data).

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