Fergie's Tech Blog

UK: The Wi-Fi Rip-Off and Your Part in its Downfall

Kieren McCarthy has written a very thoughtful article over on his blog:

I've just spotted an article in The Times which covers a frequent rant of mine - the ridiculous high prices of wireless Internet access in this country and abroad.

As the author notes (discovers), the majority of Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK are run by either BT Openzone or T-Mobile and both of them charge a ludicrous £6 an hour for access. I have long complained that coffee shops, pubs, shops etc etc are stupid to accept their systems at this price and that they would benefit enormously from simply installing equipment, sticking on a wireless router and for a minimal outlay welcome a whole new series of customers.

I am certain the economics are there already, but no one else seems quite so certain.

posted by Fergie @ 2/22/2006 09:18:00 AM