O2 launches free Wi-Fi service
Mobile operator O2 to offer free public internet hotspots across the UK, even to non-customers.
Very much doubt they will be up to receiving TVC, but it is a step forward.
O2 launches free Wi-Fi service
O2 launches free Wi-Fi service
Mobile operator O2 to offer free public internet hotspots across the UK, even to non-customers.
Very much doubt they will be up to receiving TVC, but it is a step forward.
Tell us why you use TVCatchup and how? http://alturl.com/f88tv
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I have got to see this "venting a spleen": http://www.techradar.com/news/intern...for-all-923780Originally Posted by L.Rawlins
I'm thrilled you didn't link to the TechRadar article on the subject, since I may have vented a spleen in the comments.
I thought O2 hotspots were called "the cloud" and I read this week that the Murdoch empire was buying "the cloud"? see here. I must have got confused on the way. I do like how O2 is pushing the buttons of Murdoch with this move though
Adam H
" You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment. "
It just irritates me no end that they want to appear as though they're doing me a favour, when with the other hand they're contractually limiting what I actually pay them good money for over the air... all the while selling these devices on services like mTVC, Skype and Youtube that genuinely violate their own TOS.
Not one network actually wants you to put to work the genuinely brilliant bit of mobile kit you have in your hands. I zapped 100MB of my months allocation in just two and a bit hours yesterday morning with some internet radio at the office. I now have 400MB to last me another 30 days. How in the hell can that not be deemed utterly ridiculous in this new decade of 'always online'?
4G capable devices will be sold in the UK shortly, with no commercial support whatsoever, and even after over 8 years of 'investment' - 3G is still hit and miss on any network you care to mention.
What the fudge brownies are they doing with our money? Seriously?!
4G won't be around in the UK for a while. The government is only selling the spectrum needed for 4G at the end of 2012. This wifi hotspot might sound good, but really I'd rather they spent the money on the network.
If I had it my way, I'd use the range allocated for TV to provide nationwide, superfast wireless internet, and then TV, Phones and radio all move on to the internet, so that the majority of commercially available spectrum is used for the internet.
...hmm I've been thinking about this "free wifi" thing and all it all it could be a positive turn for the UK.
Don't forget, the faster and more efficient communications (IT) got, the more things got over time. If O2 were to pull a stunt like that, all of the ISP's will have to drop their rates something chronic as nobody will want lengthy contracts. Mobile providers will quake in their boots as people will start using skype rather than mobile to mobile calls. Other industries like SatNav, HardCopy music industry (CD's etc..), newspapers would be affected.
O2 could revolutionize the UK if they did this!
If it was nationwide yes, but its only going to be in hotspots that O2 will sponsor, no?
Adam H
" You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment. "
Hmm, looks like it, but then again look how BTFON and BTOPENZONE picked up when BT offered it to customers. :-) There's loads of those hotspots. I liked the whole BTFON thing as it gave me free WiFi at BTFON and BTOPENZONE. Only reason I opted out is because I didnt like people getting any form of wireless connection to my router (even if on a different subnet!). Rule of thumb.. if it's digital, its hackable *cough* *points to his Home Hub now working on Talktalk* *grin*
O2's broadband coverage is rubbish anyway, not only that, all ADSL providers (other than one in the midlands, Node4 if I remember right) buy bulk connections from BT-Wholesale for rebranded resale.
It'll be interesting to see how BT.com react to this.. I'm just wondering in they're going to restrict it to the point where you can "only browse" i.e. block all other ports other than basic browsing. I know that in london "Talktalk" offer free internet browsing, but sites like Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, any mail infact are blocked.. You can literally only browse for informational purposes.
This is not revolutionary, it's pretty much the wrong way to go. What we want is every device connected to the internet. Not thousands of hotspots, that overlap each other. The way to go is 4G, and beyond that. The UK needs a nationwide wireless broadband, almost exactly like TV broadcasts (in size). We need to be working towards a place where the internet is available through the 4G+ network, and also over cables, and wifi hotspots, with 3G networks as a backup. And you can connect any device to any access point, wired or wireless for free. Just like radio.
problem with 4G would be the cost of setting up the transmission thereof, as well as the relaying of data from towers to central hubs. This means (in no particular order):
1) Upgrading the towers transcievers
2) Upgrading the Microwave links from the towers to the central hub
3) In some cases upgrading the satellite links in remote locations attached to the towers
4) Investing in a myriad of 4G phones for the payg and payM markets (dont forget they only start earning revenue on a phone after 1 year of it being owned and the contract being paid for regularly)
5) Investing in new IT teams and engineers (or training) to handle the rollout of 4G
6) The cost of project managers (£500/hour on corporate projects per manager) to roll this out and organise the resources
7) Investment in training new support staff (or existing) to understand the new technology and terms
8) Market research costs
9) Faesability studies
10) Training sales staff
11) Investment in new legal issues such as transmission and broadcast rights within the UK
12) Compliancy checks for the EU to be happy
.... the list is ____massive____ I could probably rattle on all night ;-D Oh wait... I do anyway :-D
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