BT have launched a new free smartphone app to help users find and connect to its Wi-Fi hotspots. The new apps available on iPhone and Android based devices allow users to search for nearby hotspots including BT Openzone and BT FON and if users are BT customers, they can connect automatically. The apps include a map to show users where the exact location is and this information is updated weekly.
BT currently have over 1.6 million Wi-Fi hotspots in their BT FON network, largely made up of business and residential broadband customers who can open up their broadband line to be used by other customers. Access is free to these hotspots for BT Total Broadband customers, and BT suggest using the app can help save users money by reducing mobile Internet costs.
"Millions of BT Total Broadband customers already get free access to the UK's biggest Wi-Fi network. This free app makes accessing Wi-Fi so simple you don't even have to think about it. This represents real value to our customers at a time when more and more people are using their mobile phone to access the internet."
John Petter, (Managing Director) BT Retail Consumer
BT are also donating 50p for every download to the BBC Children in Need Appeal up to a maximum of £10,000.
Ill stick to Wifi Analyzer on my Android based phone, complete with nice little statistical charts. and not desperate to log onto a BT FON spot and fill their pockets more.