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Wi-Fi figures soar on The Cloud

September 29, 2004

Europe's largest and fastest-growing public access Wi-Fi network, The Cloud, allows UK-based ISPs, mobile operators, cable companies and other providers to offer wireless LAN services under their own brands. This unique business model has seen The Cloud grow to include some 4300 hotspots across Britain, with the number expected to reach 10000 by the end of 2004.

The Cloud is owned and operated by Inspired Broadcast Networks, whose customers enjoy being able to provide Wi-Fi services without having to invest in costly WLAN equipment or logistical expertise. Boasting access points in UK offices, on campuses, at travel hubs and in high-density urban spaces, The Cloud offers end users a high-speed means of wirelessly connecting to the internet via their laptops or PDAs. And, through a combination of roaming agreements and partnerships with some of the world's major networks, The Cloud can also be used by visiting and pre-paid users.

 

"The Cloud's success over the past year is based on a robust business strategy that integrates innovation with market demands", says The Cloud CTO Niall Murphy. "We pride ourselves on operating one of the world's most flexible public access Wi-Fi networks, and on delivering services with some of the most innovative partners in the industry."

One of these partners is Ericsson, which now has delivered a further 6000 access points for The Cloud. Simon Herron, key account manager, Ericsson UK, says: "Ericsson is the key-supplier to The Cloud, and the company has successfully delivered a fast DSL hotspot network rollout in large volumes and in a short period of time."

 

However Ericsson's complete Wi-Fi offering includes more than just access points, with the company in fact providing end-to-end public WLAN solutions that enable mobile operators to combine the best of both cellular and Wi-Fi technologies. Ericsson's position is that while GSM and WCDMA offer users extensive coverage when on the move, Wi-Fi provides them with higher data speeds when at public hot spots.

 

This is the basis upon which Ericsson has developed its Mobile Operator Wireless LAN (MO-WLAN) Solution; a Wi-Fi compliant wireless internet service provisioning system for mobile and broadband operators. Not only does MO-WLAN offer users the advantage of a single-identity log-on and one bill for both WLAN and cellular services, but it also allows mobile operators to benefit from reusing all customer-handling systems. Ericsson believes that together these elements create a compelling business case that will make public WLAN a widespread commercial success.