BELLEVUE, Wash.-T-Mobile USA Inc. said it has completed the rollout of the 802.1x security standard across its more than 4,700 Wi-Fi hot spots. The standard provides additional encryption between Wi-Fi-equipped devices and the carrier’s wireless access points.
T-Mobile USA announced the initial deployment of the new security standard last October and said it planned to have the technology deployed across its network by the middle of this year.
“[Chief information officers] across the country have been asking for enhanced security, and we’re the first U.S. wireless carrier to deliver it,” said Joe Sims, vice president and general manager of T-Mobile HotSpot. “The rollout of 802.1x across our network will enable IT managers and business professionals to use T-Mobile HotSpot as a more secure virtual extension of their corporate networks and offices.”
To take advantage of the additional security, T-Mobile USA HotSpot customers need to download and install the latest version of the carrier’s Connection Manager software from either T-Mobile USA’s Web site or from a free compact disc available at many retail stores and HotSpot locations.
