Known as The Cloud, the network teams Inspired Broadcast Networks with the telecoms and chip giants. Inspired is leveraging its national network of broadband connected games terminals and its partnership with Leisure Link, which manages 90,000 machines in 30,000 locations across the UK.
The commercial service will be available from 1,000 locations by 30th June and by the end of 2003, The Cloud will offer Wi-Fi services from 3,000 sites, providing wireless broadband connectivity to laptop and PDA users (provided they are equipped with a 802.11b wireless LAN card). By comparison, there are currently less than 200 public access Wi-Fi sites throughout the UK, and the largest network in Europe is approximately 500 sites.
The Cloud is open to any branded service provider to offer Wi-Fi services to their customers under their own brand. By removing the up-front capital costs and the logistical hurdles, The Cloud enables cellular carriers and systems integrators to immediately offer their customers nationwide broadband wireless data services with limited risk.
"As the first network operator to offer truly nationwide coverage, The Cloud is making Wi-Fi a reality throughout the UK. This network will finally make Wi-Fi access a viable alternative for roaming corporate customers" said George Polk, Managing Director, The Cloud.
He continues, "By opening the network to any service provider who wishes to offer a branded service, we also make it possible for the cellular companies to complement their 3G strategies and for systems integrators and others to bundle mobility into their software solutions".
The Cloud will primarily be available in high traffic premium pub locations. Offering Wi-Fi services will allow the pubs to broaden the services they offer customers.
John Appleton, from Six Continents Retail, which has over 2000 pubs throughout the UK explained: "Pubs are already the business lunch venue of choice in many parts of the country and The Cloud will allow us, as an early adopter, to offer services that may well attract additional customers and keep customers in our venues longer."
"We believe that Wi-Fi use is likely to be concentrated in the day, when the pubs offer an informal environment for people to meet," added Russell Hoyle, CEO, Leisure Link. "As the pub fills up in the evening Wi-Fi can also be used to link people up to gaming and entertainment services."