Satellite broadcaster and telecoms provider, BSkyB is keen to operate free public wi-fi in Dublin. Dublin City Council has proposed a contract to provide free wireless internet services to Dublin, and Cloud has come forward to make tender. The planned 5-year agreement could provide services at selected public places in the capital for free. Cloud is the Wholly-owned subsidiary of BSkyB. Last month Cloud met with the executives of Dublin City Council to carry out discussions. With this move, Sky will enter into the telecoms market in Ireland. Currently, the firm is the largest provider of pay television with 675,000 subscribers.
BSkyB has acquired The Cloud last year. This operator of public wi-fi hot spots functions in Britain, Germany and Nordic countries. Every month, it connects millions of devices to its network. In the UK, it has wi-fi hot spots at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Silverstone Race Track, and the City of London.
The tender requires the providers to connect 12 locations with free internet access. Bidders were asked to provide details as how they will provide access for events. Winning service provider will be awarded with a concession. After three years, the contract can be terminated with a six months notice. The service should be funded entirely by the provider. A free period access should be given by the provider initially. However, in the long period of access, a certain amount could be charged by the provider.
