PALO ALTO, Calif.—WiFi Metro Inc. and Gatespeed Broadband Inc. launched a wireless “HotZone” in downtown San Jose, Calif., spanning more than six city blocks.
The HotZone allows users to establish a wireless high-speed Internet connection via a laptop computer or personal digital assistant. WiFi Metro said the HotZone is unique in that it covers a much larger area than most Wi-Fi “hotspots,” which typically have a range of 150-300 feet.
WiFi Metro and Gatespeed also launched a HotZone in Palo Alto, Calif., in April, and the companies plan to launch up to 20 more HotZones by the end of the year.
Subscription rates include an unlimited access plan for $20 per month, or pay-as-you-go plans for $6 per day at WiFi Metro cafes, $8 per day at WiFi Metro hotels, and $6-$10 per day at roaming locations.