O2 To Launch Free Wireless WiFi Hotspots Across The UK

UK mobile operator O2 have announced plans to build its own free public Wi-Fi Hotspots across the UK.

The new wireless broadband access points will provide free internet access to all users regardless of which broadband ISP they use.

O2 currently offer an Unlimited Wi-Fi service with their mobile broadband packages, providing customers with access to over 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK with The Cloud and BT Openzone.

O2 aim to have their own wireless network up and running by 2013, which will included “at least double the number of premium hotspots” offered via BT and The Cloud.

Following the announcement, O2′s Managing Director, Gavin Franks,  commented: “We’re going to transform the stagnant Wi-Fi market with O2 Wifi.

“Demands on public Wi-Fi have changed drastically over the last three years; it’s no longer about getting your laptop out in a coffee shop for half an hour. Now people want to use it for five minutes in a shop to update their Facebook status instead.

“Our main aim was to make it better than what’s already available; with consistent data speeds and a focus on usability. I genuinely believe it will transform the market and force The Cloud and BT Openzone to reassess their services.”

Access to the new O2 hotpots will be free to both O2 and non-O2 mobile customers and will be made through a simple sign-up process.

The O2 Wifi service will launch in O2 retail stores in March, with commercial partners, including shops and fast food chains set to join the scheme in Q2.