Jwire

JiWire: Free iPhone WiFi

Posted by samc on January 15th, 2008

JiWire, which delivers Ads for free WiFi Access, is now offering free connections for iPhone and iPod touch users.

The advertising option will be available at select Wi-Fi hotspots located in airports, hotels, cafes, and other desirable locations around the world. Major airports include Atlanta-Hartsfield, JFK and LaGuardia in New York and Chicago’s O’Hare. JiWire claims their Wi-Fi Advertising Network collectively operates more than 100,000 hotspots.

“By 2011, more than 500 million Wi-Fi-enabled mobile consumer devices will be in the market,” said Daryl Schoolar, senior analyst, In-Stat. “JiWire’s ad model is positioned to help drive more usage of these devices at public hotspots.”

“Our Wi-Fi advertising platform is ideal for both network operators seeking suitable business models and for marketers seeking to capitalize on the unique advertising opportunities we offer,” said Kevin McKenzie, chief executive officer, JiWire.

Competitor Santa Monica-based Boingo, started by EarthLink founder Sky Dayton, also provides Wi-Fi networks. Boingo claims to be the world’s largest network of Wi-Fi hotspots with some 100,000 access points. Access to the North American Boingo network typically costs $21.95 per month. Boingo pays hotspot operator partners a wholesale fee, typically between $1.00 and $2.00 per connect day (up to 24 hours for one user in one location). Boingo provides its carrier & ISP partners with marketing, customer support, and billing costs.

T-Mobile was the first UK operator to offer “free” Wi-Fi access as part of a mobile broadband price plan. All new customers that sign up to the Web’n’walk mobile internet service will now be able to use all T-Mobile Wi-Fi HotSpots at no extra charge.

Other “free” programs include; T-Mobile and One Laptop Free Access for Year program, Free WiFi in UK McDonalds and AT&T’s Free WiFi access with DSL. T-Mobile generally bundles EDGE plus T-Mobile WiFi HotSpots in their data plan for WiFi-enabled smartphones and PDAs, for $20-$30/month in addition to a voice plan.

source : dailywireless.org