BT has announced that its UK WiFi network now boasts over two million hotspots, making it the number one provider in Blighty. Additionally, the Telco says that it’s added more than 780,000 hotspots in the last six months to meet demand of users of smartphones, laptops, tablets, iPods and e-readers. Yes it seems that we Brits love our WiFi.
It’s worth noting, however, that BT was largely able to reach this milestone through its investment and tie-in with FON, the WiFi network that invites broadband customers to share part of their own bandwidth in order to offer and benefit from FON-powered hotspots. BT’s contribution to the crowdsourced WiFi network accounts for 1,955,000 hotspots. Specifically, these are public Wi-Fi hotspots broadcast by BT Home Hubs.
Of note, Charing Cross Tube station is the latest addition to BT’s wireless network. “Commuters can now connect to the web in the ticket hall area and Northern and Bakerloo line platforms at the station as part of a 6 month trial from London Underground and BT”, says the company. That’s progress, I guess.
Other brands offering access through BT’s WiFi network include Hilton, Thistle, Ramada Jarvis and Macdonald hotel chains, Caffe Nero and Starbucks coffee stores, Welcome Break and RoadChef Costa service stations, British Airways, Star Alliance, American Airlines and SkyTeam airport lounges.