OTTAWA-Canada’s nationwide cellular carriers Bell Mobility, Fido, Rogers Wireless and Telus Mobility launched inter-carrier Wi-Fi service, along with plans to develop more than 500 new hot-spot locations. The new hot-spot network, which was developed in conjunction with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, allows cross-Canada roaming between carrier-run hot spots under a common brand.
CWTA called the initiative “the broadest inter-carrier undertaking of its kind in North America.”
“Increasing the number of Wi-Fi hot spots and making the user experience simpler with common connection methods and technology standards, as well as a brand identifier, creates a solid foundation for widespread Wi-Fi market adoption in Canada,” said CWTA President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Barnes.
The initiative was first announced in March 2004.
All public commercial hot spots operated by the carriers are branded consistently, and when customers access Wi-Fi service in any location with the hot-spot identifier, they will access an identical, browser-based login area. If user support is required, clients will continue to access their own carrier’s customer service.
Users can charge Wi-Fi service at any of the branded hot spots to their existing wireless carrier bills. Customers will pay their per-minute or subscription-based Wi-Fi rates outlined by their own service providers, regardless of which carrier operates the hot spot.
CWTA said any other Canadian operator or hot-spot owner that meets the requirements developed by the four carriers is be eligible for membership in the roaming alliance.
