BT Openzone

[Phil]

I'm a huge fan of Wifi internet connection so I'm quite interested about BT's OpenZone Initiative (http://www.bt.com/openzone/) which means anyone can surf from their wireless notebook in airports, hotels, cafes, etc.

The pricing seems to me to be way too expensive though; 20p a minute, pay as you go, or £85 a month + VAT unlimited, what a rip-off! I really can't see how they can justify that sort of cost. Near where I live in Greenwich there's a (official or unofficial - i don't know) open wifi network that you can piggy back onto and browse for nothing. Economies of scale and all that, but there's no way I'm handing that sort of money over to BT.

[David]

I agree, I think OpenZone is a complete rip-off. I'm sure it will be pretty short-lived. If you consider the cost of setting up your own wireless network plus a broadband connection, there's no comparison. I can see community wi-fi networks starting up as we speak.

[Tom]

I believe Starbucks in the US charge about $30/month and that some of their rivals give WiFi access away free as an inducement to spend more on coffee. I thought BT were going to become a more sensible company when a Dutchman was appointed as boss. No luck