BBC Watchdog Report Highlights Public Wi-Fi Security Vulnerability

BBC's consumer advice show Watchdog reported last week on users vulnerability to malicious attack in public Wi-Fi hotspots. According to Tech Digest the Watchdog programme investigated Wi-Fi networks managed by BT Openzone, The Cloud and T-Mobile and "used equipment readily available on the internet to hijack wireless traffic at a variety of hotspots, while experts working with the programme-makers could have been able to take control of other hotspot users' internet accounts. Once inside these accounts, malicious hackers would have then been able to harvest masses of personal data which could enable them to access the users' accounts on a variety of websites, including those for shopping and banking."

Commenting, Fredi Nonyelu, Chief Executive of Briteyellow Ltd said: “Briteyellow takes the security of users of its Britezone Wi-Fi networks seriously. We implement all current industry standards and protocols. Because criminals will always seek to exploit any vulnerabilities we recommend the use virtual private network (VPN) for secure communications."

SMARTPHONE USERS PREFER WiFi OVER 3G

More than 80 percent of smartphone users would prefer to perform mobile data functions using WiFi as opposed to 3G, according to a study from Devicescape. Devicescape believes an increasing number of mobile operators are opting for WiFi because of the increasing popularity of WiFi-enabled smartphones, together with the much greater speeds available and lower costs of WiFi networks.

The company also claims nearly 85 per cent of those surveyed were in favour of citywide Wi-Fi networks and almost 56 per cent would be willing to pay for the service.

The Devicescape Wi-Fi Report: Research on Usage and Trends indicates that:

• An overwhelming number of respondents expect device manufacturers to build Wi-Fi into their devices;
• People are making buying decisions based on built-in Wi-Fi capabilities;
• A hassle free experience to access Wi-Fi is a must, meaning no pin or password;
• Intelligence is expected—people want their device to automatically switch between Wi-Fi and/or 3G networks based on what is best for the application;
• Free Wi-Fi is a must for many respondents;
• 98% or respondents log onto Wi-Fi daily with 57% of them logging on more than five times a day.

Intel’s Big Bet on Free WiFi?

Intel has a big bet on wireless. Since 2006 Intel Capital invested almost $1.6 billion in the US WiMAX operator Clearwire. Now it is planning to release an integrated Wi-Fi access point that can create a Personal Area Network (PAN). Will this also bring in a new era of free personal Wi-Fi on the move?

Contrary to some early predictions the adoption of free Wi-Fi has if anything accelerated. Briteyellow’s Britezone WiFi experienced its fastest growth in subscribers and usage in 2008. Mobile operator Telefonica 02 became one of the first major service providers to exploit the commercial power of free Wi-Fi when it launched the iPhone in the UK.

In principle the Intel Centrino notebook could become the centre of a network supporting computers, smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled digital devices. This could provide a Wi-Fi hub anywhere, connecting up to eight other devices to the internet at once. In effect it would replace Bluetooth as the primary technology for Personal Area Networks.

"Over the next two to three years we are going to see Wi-Fi PAN technology migrate from the notebook into all sorts of other devices, like a TV in your living room or a printer in your office, to support these really fast, easy one-to-one pairings," Intel told EETimes.

Intel’s My Wi-Fi will be included in Centrino 2 laptops. With the capability to function as a portable access point it could make standalone access points redundant.

Britezone free WiFi usage soars in the first quarter

Briteyellow, the out of home wireless broadband specialist annouced a seven- fold increase in usage of its Milton Keynes WiFi zone in the first quarter of 2008.

The number of subscribers rose by 133% compared to the January to April period of the previous year.

Managing Director Fredi Nonyelu said, "More people appear to be coming to the city centre because of the ready availability of free WiFi broadband. Increasingly our subscribers are using the new generation of WiFi smartphones like the iPhone to connect to Britezone. "

Briteyellow expects the growth in usage of its out of home free WiFi zones to continue as phone manufactures launch new rival models later this year.

Milton Keynes Britezone is one of the largest free WiFi zones in the UK.

Free WiFi is available across the city from the train station to the shopping centre.

John Lewis connects customers to Britezone WiFi

Customers buying digital equipment from the John Lewis Department Store in Milton Keynes are amongst the first in the UK to have free broadband connection from any WiFi enabled phone, pc, or home entertainment equipment. Shoppers can now log on to the high speed Britezone WiFi service from the audio department inside the John Lewis store, or at the Place to Eat restaurant above Middleton Hall inside Milton Keynes shopping centre.

John Lewis Partnership Milton Keynes is a gold sponsor of the Milton Keynes Britezone. Deborah Strazza, Managing Director said: "We are delighted to be one of the first department stores in the UK to offer customers free high speed internet inside our store. We see a growing demand from customers for WiFi internet access using many types of modern digital equipment from phones to home audio/tv systems. By partnering with Briteyellow to provide secure free WiFi inside the John Lewis Milton Keynes store our customers will benefit by having the opportunity to test new products before they purchase”.

For more details click here

Britezone WiFi expands through thecentre:mk

Briteyellow and thecentre:mk have announced that Milton Keynes’ Britezone will soon expand throughout the shopping centre, enabling visitors to connect to free WiFi broadband.

thecentre:mk and wireless communication specialist Briteyellow have announced a new deal to extend Britezone WiFi access along Silbury Arcade and Midsummer Arcade, from Sunset Walk at the back of Marks and Spencer to Middleton Hall in front of John Lewis, starting in February 2008.

Centre Director Robert Goodman said “We are always looking at ways technology can provide a better shopping environment for customers and secure free WiFi broadband is one of the new ways we can enhance their experience. This new service will give our customers maximum flexibility, whether they visit for shopping, leisure or business. We are delighted to partner with Briteyellow to roll-out secure high speed WiFi.”

For more details click here

Queen visits Milton Keynes WiFi Britezone

Milton Keynes’ WiFi Britezone was at the centre of Her Majesty's visit to Milton Keynes on Thursday 29th of November. The Queen made thehub:mk her first port of call during her Royal visit to Milton Keynes.

Thehub:mk hosts a diverse number of international restaurants, hotels, shops and apartments covered by Britezone WiFi wireless broadband.

Gold Britezone sponsor Ramada Encore Hotel hosted an exhibition of the city's achievements for Her Majesty and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen also unveiled a plaque at thehub:mk Piazza to the sound of live music and street entertainment. At the heart of the city's new commercial and residential district, the Piazza area is covered by Britezone signal.

Both Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were welcomed by over 3,000 people as they toured thehub:mk development.

It was an excellent showcase for free-access WiFi in Milton Keynes.

Thanks to her Majesty!