Mobile operators today have their work cut out for them. They are in a constant race to ensure capacity and coverage to an ever-increasing number of customers who are rapidly adopting smartphones and Wi-Fi-capable tablets. At the same time, there has been a significant boost in the use of data indoors. This is where Wi-Fi technology comes in: it can accomplish something called “cellular offload,” which is not only less expensive and widely available, it requires no licensing. Many mobile operators today engage in offloading traffic in high-demand areas by installing Wi-Fi hotspots to increase the performance and capacity of the network, while at the same time saving a little money.

To ensure that Wi-Fi networks are configured in the best way possible to keep quality high (and customers happy), many service providers use specialized Wi-Fi test equipment, a market that is in a rapid growth phase today, to attain optimum coverage. The growth is expected to lead to the development of innovative solutions, ensuring the steady growth of the global Wi-Fi test equipment market.

In fact, a new report from analyst group from Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) called “Analysis of the Global Wi-Fi Test Equipment Market,” has found that the market earned revenue of more than $190.1 million in 2012. This number is predicted to make a jump to $442.6 million in 2018.

"The ability for Wi-Fi test systems to identify high-demand service areas and improve customer experience by enhancing network capacity and performance, while lowering data delivery costs has accelerated their adoption," said Frost & Sullivan Measurement & Instrumentation Program Manager Olga Yashkova-Shapiro in a statement announcing the new report.

It’s not just customer retention that mandates the use of Wi-Fi test equipment. According to Frost & Sullivan, the use of Wi-Fi in companies, small offices, hospitals within mission-critical devices such as new medical, smart meter and home automation applications has made the rigorous testing of Wi-Fi more crucial. Regulatory bodies are establishing standard testing protocols to ensure seamless operation and improved security between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, offering added opportunities for test equipment vendors.

Want to learn more about the impact and potential future of White Spaces? Then be sure to attend the Super Wi-Fi Summit, collocated with ITEXPO Miami 2013, happening now in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at Super Wi-Fi Summit. Follow us on Twitter.