Known as The Cloud, the network teams Inspired Broadcast
Networks with the telecoms and chip giants. Inspired is leveraging
its national network of broadband connected games terminals and its
partnership with Leisure Link, which manages 90,000 machines in
30,000 locations across the UK.
The commercial service will be available from 1,000 locations by
30th June and by the end of 2003, The Cloud will offer Wi-Fi
services from 3,000 sites, providing wireless broadband
connectivity to laptop and PDA users (provided they are equipped
with a 802.11b wireless LAN card). By comparison, there are
currently less than 200 public access Wi-Fi sites throughout the
UK, and the largest network in Europe is approximately 500
sites.
The Cloud is open to any branded service provider to offer Wi-Fi
services to their customers under their own brand. By removing the
up-front capital costs and the logistical hurdles, The Cloud
enables cellular carriers and systems integrators to immediately
offer their customers nationwide broadband wireless data services
with limited risk.
"As the first network operator to offer truly nationwide
coverage, The Cloud is making Wi-Fi a reality throughout the UK.
This network will finally make Wi-Fi access a viable alternative
for roaming corporate customers" said George Polk, Managing
Director, The Cloud.
He continues, "By opening the network to any service provider
who wishes to offer a branded service, we also make it possible for
the cellular companies to complement their 3G strategies and for
systems integrators and others to bundle mobility into their
software solutions".
The Cloud will primarily be available in high traffic premium
pub locations. Offering Wi-Fi services will allow the pubs to
broaden the services they offer customers.
John Appleton, from Six Continents Retail, which has over 2000
pubs throughout the UK explained: "Pubs are already the business
lunch venue of choice in many parts of the country and The Cloud
will allow us, as an early adopter, to offer services that may well
attract additional customers and keep customers in our venues
longer."
"We believe that Wi-Fi use is likely to be concentrated in the
day, when the pubs offer an informal environment for people to
meet," added Russell Hoyle, CEO, Leisure Link. "As the pub fills up
in the evening Wi-Fi can also be used to link people up to gaming
and entertainment services."
