IT contractors that choose to use Wi-Fi over 3G will have the advantage in the future with the expansion of the UK's wireless network, experts have said.

Broadband.co.uk said that Wi-Fi is a much more desirable connection that 3G and the more hotspots there are for people to use the better, particularly for those using a smartphone.

"You'll find in most cases that you'll get a better connection on Wi-Fi than you will on 3G; it's much better for streaming any type of media. It's going to be good for people the more Wi-Fi spots there are available, especially on phones," he said.

This comes after O2 announced that it is launching a public Wi-Fi platform that will allow those with enabled devices to access the internet for free from various locations around the UK.

By 2013, the phone company intends to almost double the number of premium hotspots as BT OpenZone and The Cloud combined. It plans to begin with its current 450 in shops, retail outlets and restaurants.