Wi-Fi - These networks are becoming an adjunct to 3G networks as operators shift traffic to something cheaper

[fierce wireless] As more smartphones ship with Wi-Fi capabilities, and as carriers look to offload data traffic from their mobile networks, Wi-Fi is becoming an even more important tool for operators than it ever has been. Thus, Wi-Fi networks are edging closer to becoming an extension of mobile networks through standards work, dubbed Hotspot 2.0, that will add elements such as security, authentication and automatic roaming. But will operators wait for these standards to be completed given the fact that they desperately need data offloading solutions now?

Is Wi-Fi going to become just an extension of carriers' mobile networks?