Posted: 07th Jun, 2006 By: MarkJ
BT and Cardiff Council (Wales) have agreed a deal to extend the existing inner city Wi-Fi (broadband wireless) hotspot coverage outwards by February 2007:
BT's Wireless City initiative will make a four sq km area (1.6 sq miles) a wireless 'hotzone', with signals carried by antennas attached to buildings and street furniture.
Hotzones cover a wider area than so-called hotspots, and the network for people with suitable equipment will link more buildings.
Cardiff University, based at Cathays Park, will fall within the widened BT wi-fi zone, but university spokesman Tom Wiersma said they were developing their own free wireless network. "Cost is an issue," Mr Wiersma said. "Would a student pay for BT Openzone or go on campus and use it (wireless broadband) free?"The
BBC News Online item goes on to mention that BT is already in discussions to expand coverage in other areas of Wales.