IBN to create nationwide Wi-Fi network in U.K.

LONDON-LLG subsidiary Inspired Broadcast Networks has contracted with L.M. Ericsson to equip its coin-operated entertainment terminals at 3,000 locations in the United Kingdom with Wi-Fi access and related digital subscriber line backhaul.

IBN, Ericsson, British Telecommunications plc and Intel Corp. also plan to develop a network, brand-named “The Cloud,” which will comprise a total of 30,000 hot spots within the next three years. IBN will wholesale the capacity to branded service providers, including mobile and broadband operators, in addition to offering pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi access at the individual hot spots.