Broadreach Hotspots Piccadilly

LONDON -- Broadreach Networks Limited, the fast-growing provider of broadband Internet access for people on the move, today switched on the first ever UK Wi-Fi hotzone in and around the Piccadilly Circus area of central London. Free Wi-Fi Internet access is now available from the ReadytoSurf hotzone all the way from the steps of Eros through the Trocadero centre to the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square.

In the last year wireless hotspots have been springing up all over cities across the UK. As a result, Internet access without wires is now available at train stations, cafes, health clubs, hotels and shops. But, until now, these hotspots have never linked together effectively over an area to create a zone that will allow true roaming with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA.

Magnus McEwen-King, CEO of Broadreach commented: "We want to remove the barriers to Wi-Fi, and this hotzone shows that it is possible to bring wireless internet access to a much wider area than ever before. Because Wi-Fi provides internet access on the user's terms, we have seen support for, and use of, wireless hotspots increase rapidly. However, we strongly believe that Wi-Fi internet access use could be simpler and easier."

He added: "So in a UK-first we have built this hotzone and we are also offering Wi-Fi access across the UK for free until the end of the year. Ultimately, we believe that people should be able to access the internet with a device of the choice, in a location of their choice, and pay with the method of their choice." Phase One of the hotzone is live now and Phase Two is expected in December. Over the first half of next year ReadytoSurf will be extending coverage in the hotzone -- broadening the availability of wireless internet access. At ReadytoSurf locations you can use either your own Wi-Fi device, or one of the fixed terminals provided. Surf time can be paid for with a voucher (and time stored as a member), and there will soon be the option of internet access outside the home included in a monthly ISP subscription."