The corporate use of 3G wireless broadband provided by mobile networks has "rocketed", in contrast to WiFi - small networks that allow wireless access to the Internet, which has slowed, technology researcher World Wide Worx said at the Mobility 2007 survey.

In 2006, 3G data cards were considered a transitional technology, but over the last year their use has grown, establishing 3G as a core technology.

"Commercial WiFi hot spots, especially in hotels, are in danger of pricing themselves out of the market," warned World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck, who added that a monthly subscription to a basic 3G service was cheaper than a few hours on a commercial hot spot.

Mobility 2007 surveyed corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and showed that the proportion of South African companies issuing staff with 3G data cards rose from 58% in 2006, to 82% in 2007, however the number that facilitate WiFi access by their staff has fallen from 74% to 66% in 2007.

Corporate use of 3G data cards is viewed as a way to increase the flexibility of workers in South Africa.

The use of wireless broadband services by SMEs in particular, increased from only 16% in 2006 to 31% in 2007.

Mobile phone technologies also showed a growth in usage among SMEs in South Africa, increasing from 14% in 2006, to 21% in 2007. SMS was seen to be a useful tool in conducting business, and blue-tooth hands-free, 3G data cards, Internet and email access, as well as location-based services accessed through the mobile phone, all showed significant increases among SMEs.

"There is, however some confusion on how to use the technology available, and the advanced features available on a cellular phone," commented Goldstuck.

This meant that education could be heightened to further increase use of this technology.

The Mobility 2007 study showed that the penetration of cellphone banking in South Africa has more than doubled over the last year, from 8% in 2006, to 17% in 2007, and expects that it will continue to climb sharply over the next year, and is likely to double again.

"Finally, we see evidence of cellphone banking maturing in the South African market, and acceptance of the channel across all market segments is significant and accelerating. In the mainstream market, latest figures illustrate that it is now the most used electronic banking channel among FNB customers in this segment," concluded FNB mobile and transact solutions head Len Pienaar.