O2 to launch public wireless services

Following trials, O2 Ireland has announced the commercial availability of public WLAN services for business customers from January 2003.

Public WLAN provides high-speed wireless broadband Internet connection at 25 to 30 times the speed of a dial-up modem.

Using functionality within the user's laptop, or using a separate data card that can be inserted into a laptop, users will be able access corporate intranets, send and receive email and browse the web using their virtual private network (VPN) software.

Based on the 802.11b industry standard, public WLAN services from O2 Ireland will initially be available in a number of 'hotspots' nationwide for both O2 and non-O2 customers.

The service will be available in public places such as hotels, conference centres and railway stations without being constrained by cables or fixed access points.

O2 Ireland has signed a number of agreements with major companies including Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, Bewleys Hotel Group, Lynch Hotel Group and CIE.