UK to Get WLAN Cloud

LONDON -- Inspired Broadcast Networks, with support from Ericsson and Intel Corporation, today announced the creation of a nationwide wireless network that will enable high-speed Internet access in thousands of locations all over the UK. The new network will be the largest of its type in Europe. This announcement coincides with the upcoming launch of Intel Centrino mobile technology for notebook PCs, which features built-in wireless communications capability.Inspired Broadcast Networks has already begun building this network, to be called The Cloud. Inspired is leveraging its national network of broadband connected games terminals and its exclusive partnership with Leisure Link, which manages 90,000 machines in 30,000 locations across the UK. The Cloud will launch free trial services from 250 locations by the end April 2003. Commercial service will be available from 1,000 locations by June 30 2003. By the end of 2003, The Cloud will offer Wi-Fi services from 3,000 sites. 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 brand. By removing the upfront capital costs and the logistical hurdles, The Cloud enables cellular carriers and systems integrators the ability to immediately offer their customers nationwide broadband wireless data services at very little risk. BT Openzone will be the first service provider on The Cloud offering commercial services starting in July 2003. The addition of The Cloud to its existing sites and roaming agreements makes BT Openzone the commercial operator with access to the most hotspots in Europe. Visitors to The Cloud’s locations will also be able to purchase access to the network from the Leisure Link Itbox entertainment terminals in each site, making it simple for casual Wi-Fi users to get online.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 explains, "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."Inspired, Intel, Ericsson, BT Openzone, Leisure Link and the leading pub groups are working together, through nationwide marketing, advertising and promotions, to drive awareness of Wi-Fi hotspots in participating pubs where notebook PC users can connect to the Internet and corporate networks wirelessly and at high-speed. In addition, The Cloud’s Wi-Fi solution will also enable the use of other wireless devices such as PDAs, and tablet PCs. Inspired Broadcast Networks