1Gb wireless broadband 'could launch in 2012'

Wi-Fi technology capable of delivering broadband speeds of almost 1Gb is set to launch next year, it has been reported. Semiconductor manufacturer Broadcom says the next generation of wireless networking technology - 802.11ac - should feature in commercial products by the end of 2012. The new standard will use 40/80MHz channels, as opposed to the 20/40MHz channels used by 802.11n wireless broadband kit, reports ISPreview.co.uk. With an increasing number of consumers and businesses using fibre broadband, more capable Wi-Fi routers are also needed, the news provider said. ISPreview.co.uk Chief Editor Mark Jackson explained that some broadband providers have already had to deal with unfair complaints from customers "who buy a super-fast broadband connection but fail to understand when the speed via their slower Wi-Fi link doesn't match". Last month, The Cloud claimed businesses can attract more customers if they offer free Wi-Fi services in-store or on-site.