As consumers begin chaffing at the prospect of paying for Wi-Fi in public spaces, Boingo is revamping its business model through a strategic acquisition. It’s acquiring sponsored Wi-Fi access firm Cloud Nine to help it set up ad-supported free access to hotspots around the country. Read more »
The complimentary Wi-Fi network will go into company-owned locations, but the vast number of franchisees will make their own call on whether to offer the service. Still, even if all 6000 locations signed on they would barely make a dent in Boingo’s already 500,000-strong hotspot footprint. Read more »
Republic is still in beta, but it’s now a much bigger beta. The mobile virtual network operator has fine-tuned its proprietary hybrid-connection technology and Wi-Fi hotspot network with the launch of a new Motorola phone. So it’s opening up the gates to its long waiting list. Read more »
A wireless network comprised of 50,000 free hotspots will appear in the coming months, but there’s a small catch: To use the free Wi-Fi service, you’ll need to be a subscriber to one of five cable television providers. The Wi-Fi roaming revolution is finally here. Read more »
Remember the old NetZero dial-up Internet plans that gave you free Internet access as long as you put up with an advertising window emblazoned across your screen? Well, AT&T is experimenting with a similar concept at DFW Airport, only offering Wi-Fi instead of dial-up. Read more »
