With the new initiative by Nokia and Spectrum Interactive, the London streets are offered with free Wi-Fi networks. Fast Wi-Fi networks will enable customers to access internet from their mobile devices without having to run in nearby coffee shops and restaurants. During the first phase of trials, 16 areas including Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria will get Wi-Fi hotspots. The trial will enable anyone in these areas to access wireless internet.
The service will be offered to other areas, if the trial becomes a success. In order to benefit from the service, customers should find out the Free Nokia Wi-Fi SSID and then connect to the network. After the user complies with the terms and conditions, the system remembers the Wi-Fi device and then connection is quick. Unlike the existing hotspots, customers need nit register the personal data to access the service. John Nichols, marketing head of Nokia said that the company was happy to sponsor the pilot that will connect more people.
Nokia Maps application, integrated in Windows Phone 7 Mango devices hosts a hotspot finder. The existing phone box network will provide the service of which Spectrum Interactive handles 1,000 sites across London. Such 16 boxes have been upgraded with DSL line and the Wi-Fi kit to be used for the trials. The hotspot will have 20Mbit/s line. The users will be restricted to a maximum of 1Mbit/s download and 500Kbit/s upload.
The trial will also include identification of device types and usage patterns.
Via- Telegraph
