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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Score Free Wi-Fi with The Cloud’s ‘FastConnect’ Wi-Fi Connection and Hotspot Locator
St Albans, 21stApril, 2010 - The Cloud, Europe’s largest mobile Wi-Fi provider, today announced that all O2 iPhone users will be able to download a free application, which will give quick and easy access to all Wi-Fi hotspots powered by The Cloud free of charge. The application, called FastConnect, will allow users to access mobile broadband internet at no cost across The Cloud’s 22,000 access points throughout Europe, including all paid-for access hotspots. Users do not need to be in a Cloud access point in order to download and activate FastConnect, but instead just need to make a one-off visit to the Apple store (http://linktoapp.com/The-Cloud-FastConnect) wherever they have access online.
The Cloud is tipping FastConnect to prove to be a ‘must have’ for any self-respecting football fan this summer, as free broadband Wi-Fi will allow supporters to enjoy the same experience of watching live matches and highlight packages from the World Cup on the move as they would do at home. FastConnect is the only iPhone application to enable this, therefore offering the most effective way for O2 iPhone users to experience rich media and live video while they are out and about.
FastConnect incorporates additional features to make Wi-Fi as easy as possible for O2 iPhone users, both to download and access. The software has an in-built hotspot locator, giving automatic connection to all Wi-Fi hotspots powered by The Cloud when in range - all that is required is a one off free and quick installation. The application’s searchable directory spans all of The Cloud’s access points across Europe and provides a link to GoogleMaps, in order to provide a map and directions straight to the user’s mobile. The FastConnect Wi-Fi finder will also update its lists of venues automatically as new Cloud hotspots are added.
The Cloud operates the fastest Wi-Fi network in the UK and already delivers over a billion minutes of usage each year, powering mobile broadband access in some of Britain’s most well-known hospitality chains and across some of the country’s busiest public Wi-Fi hotspots. This includes providing access for McDonalds, Marriott hotels and Pret A Manger, as well as throughout the City of London. Free access to these hotspots, with just one initial click of a button, will ensure that users are never left offline while on the move, guaranteeing the same rich media experience as delivered by home broadband or in the office.
Steve Nicholson, CEO of The Cloud, comments on the timely nature of the latest iPhone application, “We launched the Wi-Fi finder late last year quickly understanding that people were frustrated by the complexity of connecting, so we have made Cloud Wi-Fi access as simple as we can. The World Cup starts in June and we have other major sporting events on the horizon including the Olympics, so we anticipate increasing numbers of people will want TV quality media on their mobiles whilst on the move. Our own research as well as growing industry-wide opinion suggests that Wi-Fi is the only solution in delivering an acceptable service and that traditional cellular networks will struggle to deliver acceptable quality to this level of users simultaneously.”
The free application automatically installs across multiple devices and platforms that share the same set of credentials, so users in the UK can enjoy the benefits of high speed Wi-Fi whether on their O2 iPhone, laptop, iPod or iPad. The Cloud database allows users to add subsequent networks to their existing profile that will then also be connected automatically when in range.
Nicholson continues, “I do not believe for one second that people are bothered about how they connect to the Internet – they just want a fast and easy, hassle free connection, ideally across all their mobile devices, whether an iPod Touch, an iPad, their PC or Notebook. The FastConnect software takes into consideration the needs of the modern consumer and packages up a solution into one simple application that is completely free.”
“We strongly suspect only a fraction of O2 iPhone customers are aware of this free service and would consequently encourage them to download the app from the app store to get quick and free access to our network. I do confess to being a patriotic type and hope we fare better in this World Cup than in previous years. I'm an avid iPhone user myself, so I'm looking forward to being able to ensure I will catch all the action, whether I’m at the pub, grabbing my lunch or at McDonalds with the kids!” concludes Nicholson.
When on Wi-Fi, customers will be able to connect to the BBC’s latest iPhone app that is set to be released this month, offering live streaming of all the World Cup matches. It is yet to be released whether this app will also be available over 3G networks but as iPlayer is currently only available over Wi-Fi on the iPhone, it is likely that Wi-Fi will offer the only way for footie fans to access live and high quality footage on their phones this summer.
About The Cloud
The Cloud builds and operates Wi-Fi networks across Europe to provide simple, fast, broadband to millions of Wi-Fi enabled laptop, netbook, smartphone and entertainment devices. The Cloud has exclusive commercial partnerships with retail, leisure, hotels, sports, transport, entertainment and content partners to deliver its longer term vision of a connected society.
The Cloud connects over 3 million devices each month to its Wi-Fi network. It is backed by Accel Partners, 3i, FERD and Provider Ventures and has raised over 50m Euros in funding. It also works with a growing number of brands such as Marriott, McDonalds, 02, Pret A Manger, Apple, Orange, the City of London Corporation and BAA to deliver fast Internet access to any Wi-Fi enabled device.
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