Posted: 16th Nov, 2004 By: MarkJ
Remote (mobile) workers have been hoping for BTOpenzone, BT's broadband wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspot provider, to make a deal with iPass (global roaming experts). Sadly, while iPass wishes to make a deal, BTO doesn't wish to sell.:
iPass gives its subscribers access to a large number of separate telecommunications networks worldwide through one account. The aim is to guarantee a user that they'll be able to get online via an iPass partner virtually anywhere, whether over Wi-Fi, DSL or dial-up.
iPass says it is keen to sign a deal with Openzone, and that BT was to blame for the lack of agreement. "We want to buy access [to Openzone], but they have got to want to sell," said one senior iPass executive last week.
Because iPass provides access to multiple Wi-Fi networks, it effectively competes with these Wi-Fi operators. However, BT has denied there is any ulterior motive behind its failure to form a partnership with iPass.Typically talks are said to be ongoing and suggestions have been made that a deal could be close, we'll just have to wait and see. More @
ZDNet.