News
Issue #2004 - 02 (February 2004)
(Updated Feb. 9, 2004)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

WiFi News This biweekly Period

1. T-Mobile, Comcast in Wi-Fi Agreement
Comcast Cable and T-Mobile USA joined forces to offer T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi Internet service to Comcast’s high- speed Internet customers. Accordingly, Comcast high-speed Internet customers will receive a special offer when they sign up for T-Mobile HotSpot through their Comcast portal homepage. Users will be able to surf the Web, check email or view streaming media at wireless broadband speeds with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA at T-Mobile HotSpot locations. (Source: Cellular-News.com via CTIA) 

2. T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless ink WiFi roaming agreement
T-Mobile USA and AT&T Wireless this week inked a WiFi hotspot roaming agreement that will allow the operators' subscribers to roam freely between the two networks. The deal, which is T-Mobile's first reciprocal roaming agreement, is scheduled to go into effect this summer. As a result of this deal, AT&T Wireless will get access to a much larger footprint while T-Mobile will get access to AT&T Wireless' hotspots in Denver International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. T-Mobile operates hotspots in 4,100 locations. AT&T Wireless yesterday announced a deal with Amtrak to launch hotspots in select stations on the train operator's 

3. Eurostar to launch WiFi trials
European train operator Eurostar said it plans to launch a WiFi trial later this year. This service would add WiFi to select train cars. Train operators are the latest companies to hop on the public hotspot bandwagon. European train operators GNER and Virgin Trains are already offering WiFi trials on select cars. GNER's trial WiFi system uses satellite broadband for the Internet connection. GNER's service is available for free but only for first class passengers. U.S. train operator Amtrak this week announced a partnership with AT&T Wireless to launch a new WiFi hotspot service in train stations for its Northeastern corridor. Amtrak has not made any announcements about adding WiFi to its train cars.
4. AT&T Wireless to Offer Wi-Fi to Amtrak Travelers
AT&T Wireless is teaming with America’s railroad operator Amtrak to launch a wireless Internet service offering along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line. Accordingly, those traveling to and from select stations between Baltimore and Boston will be able to log onto the Internet and check e-mail via high-speed wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi service. The service will be activated this summer and will cost $9.99 per day by each traveler. (Source: PR Newswire) 

Sources: Different, including CTIA, Mobile Pipeline, FierceWireless and 802.11 Report Newsletter

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.