24/06/2002

BT launch public wireless broadband trial

British Telecom has launched a trial of its public wireless broadband network.

The trial, which begins on Monday, June 24, comes just over a month before the telecommunications company formally launches the service on August 1.

The wireless local area network (LAN) will allow people with a laptop and a wireless LAN PC card to send and receive data at broadband speed within a network of access points around key public sites, such as hotels, airports, bars and coffee shops. BT plans to build a national network throughout the UK, all within reach of business travellers and commuters. Wireless broadband access depends on the installation of these high-tech telecommunication hotspots.

On Monday, three BT "hotspots" went live at the Heathrow Hilton, the BT Centre in London and the BT development centre in Suffolk.

BT hope to have around 70 "hotspots" in place by December and about 4,000 by June 2005.

While customer demand will determine pricing, BT plans to offer access through subscription or pay-as-you-go.

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