Public WiFi networks are popping up like mushrooms in crowded spots where always connected geeks seek shelter for a frappuccino and a facebook update. This should be good news for mobile operators desperate from capacity shortfalls: they can now offload part of their data traffic to less expensive wholesale WiFi bit pipes – or they can even catch a free ride. So should mobile operators embrace the symbiosis and integrate externally cultivated WiFi hotpots in their business models?