Wireless technologies are becoming increasingly crucial to survival for
today’s small businesses, who are wanting to stay competitive and connected
while gaining flexibility and time away from the office, according to the
AT&T Small Business Technology Poll, a national survey recently conducted
by telecommunications firm AT&T.
The results are based on an online survey of 2,023 small business owners and
employees responsible for IT.
The survey found nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of small businesses said they
could not survive—or it would be a major challenge to survive—without wireless
technology. This is up from a similar 2007 AT&T survey in which only about
four in 10 (42 percent) of small businesses said they would have difficulty
surviving without wireless technologies. Smartphones, WiFi hot spots and laptop
data cards are also growing in importance for small businesses wanting to stay
connected while on the go, results revealed.
Depending on where they’re located, small businesses had varying opinions on
the importance and use of wireless technology. Based on responses to three
components — perceived importance of wireless, use of wireless technology and
attitude on the impact of wireless technology—a Wireless Quotient, or “WiQ,”
was calculated for each of 10 markets surveyed. Businesses in Atlanta
and Oklahoma ranked highest in WiQ,
with Dallas, San
Francisco and Kansas City
rounding out the top five markets
Despite the economic recession, the survey found few small businesses have cut
back on their use of wireless technology. Even businesses that reduced or
maintained their overall technology budget from 2008—nearly 80 percent of small
businesses surveyed—have not cut back on their use of wireless technologies and
expect to rely more on wireless technology over the next two years, suggesting
its growing importance among small businesses.
“Wireless technology is a critical business tool that allows mobile workers to
stay in touch with colleagues and customers, and to access company data on the
move,” said Timothy Doherty, an associate research analyst for SMB Mobility at
research group IDC. “Reliance on wireless
technology will only increase, as growing adoption of mobile business
applications among small businesses drives the need for fast, reliable
connectivity.”
Ebrahim Keshavarz, vice president of AT&T’s small business product
management, said the growing dependence on wireless technologies is likely to
continue to increase going forward, noting about three-fourths (74 percent) of
survey respondents said they expect to depend on it even more two years from
now. In addition, the survey found more than three times as many small
businesses today strongly agree that wireless technology is key to keeping them
competitive: 49 percent versus 16 percent in 2007.
“Small businesses that understand the value of wireless technologies and are
able to maximize the benefits they offer can create competitive advantage in
the marketplace,” said Jeff Kagan, an independent wireless and telecom industry
analyst. “While the concept of WiQ may not completely define which businesses
succeed and those that don’t, it can serve as a barometer of the potential
impact on the bottom line.”
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