O2 is planning to build a nationwide Wi-Fi network that by 2013 will at least double the number of hotspots currently offered by BT Openzone and The Cloud combined.
The mobile operator will begin by replacing its existing 450 Cloud hotspots in its shops and offices, before expanding though partnerships with “strategic venues’: shops, restaurants, retail outlets and more.
O2 says the service will be free to both O2 and non-O2 mobile customers, simple to use, fast and secure, using hotspots installed specifically, rather than re-using or sharing existing internet connections.
“Building networks is a core capability. We have pioneered the explosion of mobile data over the last three years and know better than anyone where people are accessing data. ‘O2 Wifi’ hotspots will bring high quality public Wi-fi access to the majority of mobile users,” said O2’s new business development director Tim Sefton.
“Only 20% of people who have access to free public Wi-Fi on O2 tariffs actively use it despite the majority of devices being Wi-Fi enabled. We know that Wi-Fi as a technology has great potential and can be a very fast service, however customers are discouraged by barriers which include complexity in activation, uncertainty of where Wi-Fi is free and the variable quality of the current experience.”
O2 also said that it is increasing investment in its mobile network by 25% in 2011.
