In a service-related survey done by Toshiba, the laptop manufacturer found out that UK WiFi networks are generally underutilized, with only a small percentage of laptop users actually accessing the Internet via WiFi. This is despite the UK’s being peppered with wireless hotspots here and there (latest estimates amount to 10,000 public access points).

The study found that only 11% of the surveyed laptop owners use WiFi while in hotels. Only 7% surf while in trains. Even in cafés—the stereotypical WiFi hotspot—only 3% fire up their laptops to use the wireless network for accessing the Internet.

The users cited concerns such as network security and fear of laptop theft. Some thought WiFi coverage was too sparse (well, they thought wrong). A good number simply did not even know how turn on their laptops’ WiFi features.

With these dismal numbers, WiFi access providers might want to consider stepping up with marketing their services. Establishment owners—who sometimes offer free WiFi access for patronage—would likewise benefit from an increased awareness of WiFi availability. Perhaps these trends can be attributed to the thinking that using wireless Internet while at a café, pub, hotel or during the daily commute, would only make you end up doing more work, instead of taking some time off to relax!

At any rate, it would be a waste of good wireless equipment and bandwidth if laptop owners still continue to shy away from using public hotspots.