The Cloud, a hotspot operator with operations in the UK, Sweden and Germany, has entered a partnership with the City of London to create a WiFi cloud throughout a square mile in downtown London.
Cloud Networks currently runs several Wi-Fi hotspots in London, including the Canary Wharf, the British Library and Coffee Republic, a chain of caf s. It also rents out service to operators like BT’s OpenZone and Nintendo. Those operators in turn charge their customers for the service.
The City of London is actually London’s main financial district. It is often referred to as just The City or as the Square Mile, as it is approximately one square mile (2.6 square kilometres) in area.
Blanket Wi-Fi access in the downtown area is expected within six months. The network will be installed on lamp posts and signs.Because of The City’s high buildings and narrow streets, more than 150 hotspots will be needed to ensure coverage. The network is also designed to support secure access and private data networks for the emergency services.Demand has increased for wireless coverage of the City’s 350,000 workers. The Cloud won the bid to install the network, but the value of the deal has not been disclosed.
British Telecom has five models for public and private sector participation. These models, like those in England and Scotland, are formalised in 12 regions with supplier and technology independence. Although not legal entities, the partnerships are a close affiliation of public and private sector bodies, which share the same goals.
Irish Broadband, Ireland’s only alternative broadband network provider, serves over 20,000 users. It plans to double its subscriber base by expanding its network coverage in Dublin and to eight other major cities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Using Alvarion’s BreezeMAX, they serve eight of Ireland’s major urban centres including the cities of Athlone, Arklow, Carlow, Ennis, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Newbridge, and Wexford.
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