Thames becomes giant free Wi-Fi hotspot

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 12 Jul 2007 at 11:21

A 13-mile stretch of the River Thames has been turned into a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

The service - which has been launched by free-hotspot.com and MeshHopper - is Europe's largest free metropolitan Wi-Fi network, according to the founders.

The hotspot stretches from Millbank right down to Greenwich, and also includes blanket coverage for St Katharine's Dock and St Mary's Quay.

The sponsored service requires surfers to watch a 15-30 second advert in exchange for 15 minutes of free wireless access. Download speeds are restricted to 256Kb/sec for the free service, although there is an option to pay for faster speeds and lengthier access periods.

The company claims the network will stretch into the bars, restaurants and hotels that line the river, potentially pitting it against the paid-for hotspots operated by companies such as BT and T-Mobile.

"This really marks the arrival of free Wi-Fi in greater London," says Dan Toomey, Chief Executive Officer of free-hotspot.com. "Millions of Londoners as well as commuters, visitors and tourists can now expect to find free Wi-Fi as they work or play along the Thames."

For more details of the service visit Online-4-free.com.