In-Stat today released a report that indicates the Wi-Fi hotspot market is entering a revival period. The company said that renewed interest from communications providers and increased usage among both business and leisure users will contribute to massive growth in the next couple of years.

In-Stat estimates that hotspot usage will increase in 2009 by 47 percent, bringing total worldwide connects to 1.2 billion.

"Mobile operators have become increasingly involved in the hotspot market globally as they assess the potential of hotspots to offload wireless data traffic from overburdened 3G networks," said Frank Dickson, an In-Stat analyst.

Dickson stated that the research also shows that Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones have significantly altered hotspot usage, with these devices accounting for the majority of access sessions in some locations.

Additionally, the research found that total worldwide hotspot venues will reach 245,000 in 2009, with AT&T on course to experience 500 percent usage growth in 2009 in comparison to 2008.

The report also suggests that security concerns by individuals, not corporate users, are limiting hotspot usage.

Just yesterday, Google announced that it would offer free Wi-Fi service over the holidays in 47 airports across the United States.