Devicescape has confirmed a rise in the number of amenity Wi-Fi hotspots that are a part of its Curated Virtual Network or CVN. While the number of hotspots touched 12 million access points, an increase of 100%, in 2012, the number of hotspots is expected to cross the 100 million mark by 2017.

Devicescape has experienced a spurt in the usage of its patented Curator machine-learning technology. An increasing number of mobile operator customers, device associates, and active subscribers prefer this technology. The organization therefore analyzed expansion patterns along with an in-depth multi-country study before modeling the prospective size of the CVN. The main areas covered in the study included the implemented-device-to-CVN-access-point discovery ratio, open versus secured hotspot ratios and the rate and definite development in the number of amenity Wi-Fi hotspots occurring across the globe.

In a statement, Dave Fraser, CEO, Devicescape said, "Amenity Wi-Fi is an irreversible mega-trend and, increasingly, mobile operators are adding it to their heterogeneous network strategies. As more venue owners offer complimentary Wi-Fi to their customers, operators have identified Wi-Fi as a key asset that can help elevate customer experience, magnify their mobile network and serve as a platform for offering new, creative services."

According to Sue Rudd, Director, Service Provider Analysis, Strategy Analytics (News - Alert), a public Wi-Fi approach is required by mobile operators. Operators finding methods to incorporate Wi-Fi with their heterogeneous network approaches will need to computerize and abridge the connection to a major network, comprising of a huge number of Wi-Fi hotspots especially for customers. Operators also need to ascertain that subscribers only visit Wi-Fi hotspots offering first-class Quality of Experience, like Devicescape's Curator Service.

The rising popularity of offering an "always best connected" experience over heterogeneous networks is tackled by the Curator Service. The finest network is methodically and dynamically chosen by the curation process as per operator polices and end-user preferences.

Fraser said, "Moving into 2013, we expect to see significant international growth as operators around the globe strategize the best options to capitalize on mobile data demand and consider the ongoing challenge of retaining and growing a customer base that has ever increasing expectations for service availability, quality, and affordability."