The future of Linux can be predicted based on the fact that it stands to provide its users the features they looking for, be it Wi-Fi compatibility, games, intuitive UI, <em>et al</em>.
The probability of using Atheros chipsets for users using Wi-Fi on laptops, for wireless freedom is very high. There are over 30 different wireless device vendors worldwide, including Linksys, D-Link and Netgear who use Atheros chipsets for wireless networking.