Getting a free internet connection when you’re out and about has previously involved running into the nearest cafe, but Nokia and spectrum Interactive are now providing free Wi-Fi on the streets of central London.
The initial trial sees 16 locations, including Oxfor Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria, converted into Wi-Fi hotspots that can be used by anyone with a wireless devices. It’s hoped that, if successful, the service will be expanded to other areas.
Connection to the service is simple. Users simply look for the Free Nokia Wi-Fi SSID and connect to network. Once you’ve agreed to the terms and conditions, your Wi-fi device is remembered on the system and subsequent connections are instant. It marks a big change from existing hotspots, where users have to duvulge personal data to register.
“From tourists finding their way around the capital, to commuters updating or facebook or browsing on the move, we all depend on mobiles to share our everday experiences and enhance our lives,” said John Nichols, head marketing at Nokia.”Nokia is pleased to sponsor this pilot which we hope will connect people even more easily than ever befor.”
Nokia is alos integrating a hotspot finder into its Nokia Maps application, which will be available on its new flagship Windows Phone 7 Mango devices, such as the Lumia 800.
The service has been made possible by the exiting phone box network, of which spectrum interactive manages 1,000 sites in London. For the trial, 16 boxes have been upgraded with a DSL line and the Wi-Fi kit. Each hotspot has a 20Mbit/s line, although users will be limited to 1Mbit/s download and 500kbits/upload speeds.
Phone boxess don’t have to be the limiting factor of the technology. “We have plenty of phone boxes,” said Simon Alberga, who is the chairman of Spectrum Interactive, ” but we’re also discussing with partners that have street furniture.”
The trial will identify device types and usage patterns to see if bandwidth needs upgrading. The service could be rolled out to other cities in 2012, with an advertising-support model likely to fund the expansion.