BBC Online Free To Wi-Fi Users October 16, 2007

Read more Broadband , Laptops , Mobile phones , Movies , Online , TV , Wireless

The BBC continues its push into the digital age today by inking a deal that will allow everyone to access BBC Online content for free from Wi-Fi hotspots.

The broadcaster has allied itself with The Cloud, which will allow folk to get BBC Online content for free at more than 7,500 hotspots in the UK, from MacDonald's to airports.

As long as your device is Wi-Fi enabled, you can view all of the content. Downloads though, at least initially, will be provided via the Beeb’s controversial iPlayer service, which can only be used on Windows-based laptops for now. There are plans to allow downloads to mobile phones and other devices in the future.

BBC Director of Future Media & Technology, Ashley Highfield Ashley Highfield said:

"We're delighted to be partnering with The Cloud in what we hope is the first of many such partnerships across the UK. This is a new environment for the BBC and one which we believe will be hugely important for our future success. This venture enables us to offer free Wi-Fi access to BBC content on the high street, furthering the BBC's commitment to make its content as widely available as possible to our audiences wherever they are. For instance they can catch up on Strictly Come Dancing whilst having a café latte in Coffee Republic."

Owen Geddes, Group Director of Business Development at The Cloud added:

"Wi-Fi is emerging as the technology of choice for media and content owners wanting to extend their reach beyond traditional channels. The explosion of media-capable devices, coupled with the high bandwidth and low cost Wi-Fi offers, means high quality video and audio can be delivered to people wherever they are.”

The Beeb is also planning to hook up with more Wi-Fi operators.-Martin Lynch

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