24 October 2006

The number of wireless hotspots deployed in Europe is continuing to rise, according to new research from BroadGroup Tariff Services.

Since May 2005 there has been a 28 per cent increase in the proliferation of Wi-Fi, with the UK leading the way, the company's survey found.

The UK accounts for 39 per cent of all European wireless networks, with Germany and France also accounting for a large proportion.

Explaining the rise, Margrit Sessions, managing director at BroadGroup Tariff Services, commented: "We have seen more innovation occurring in Wi-Fi product marketing."

"Operators are using bundling more effectively and have extended the validity period from one-time log-in to multiple log-ins over different periods ranging from 24 hours up to one year."

In the UK, schemes have recently been created to offer free wireless Internet access in city centres, aimed at workers, the general public and businesses in these areas.

The East of England Development Agency partly funded a £1.1 million initiative to offer free Internet access in a four km radius, with key business sites also encompassed.

© Adfero Ltd

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