Wi-Fi (define) should be viewed as a complementary -- not competitive -- technology to the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) and wireless carriers, according to Deutsche Bank Securities analysts.

In an analysis Monday, Deutsche Bank analysts Viktor Shvets, Nigel Coe, Edward Bryant and Andrew Kieley moved to dispel entrenched notions that Wi-Fi technology will eat into the existing fixed-line broadband market and the market for data services from wireless carriers.

"Whether or not retail revenues ever reach the more optimistic forecasts of $5 billion to $6 billion (from around $100 million right now), the probability of large-scale disruption to existing platforms remains low, in our opinion," they wrote. "Indeed, our analysis suggest that Wi-Fi is entirely complementary to existing fixed broadband products, and since the fixed-line and cable industries own the 'anchor' home connection, the chances of Wi-Fi becoming commoditized by existing broadband players is much higher than vice-versa. For wireless, the ownership of billing relationships with the bulk of potential Wi-Fi users makes them very well placed to cross-sell the product."