Small retailers could benefit from Esat BT initiative

The appeal of wireless communication could be accelerated by a new initiative by EsatBt.

Hundreds of local hotspots for wireless broadband could spring up in pubs, shops and small hotels all over Ireland as a result of the new 'Openzone in a Box' product.

Openzone is wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) technology that allows people to access the internet without plugging in to phone lines.

It is hoped the device will allow small retailers and service providers the ability to offer their customers high speed Internet access in their premises without having to make a large investment in technology.

Users with either a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop/PDA or a Wireless LAN access card can access the web at data at speeds of up to 500 kbps - almost 10 times faster than a standard 56K modem - enabling them to send and receive large quantities of information at broadband speed.

Users need only be within an approximate 100-metre range of BT Openzone sites.

BT Openzone customers in Ireland also have the advantage of being able to access over 400 sites through the BT Openzone network in the UK, and thousands of sites in Europe and the US through BT's roaming partners.

According to Alan Hall, Director of New Business, BT Northern Ireland: "The product has proven to be a major success among smaller retailers and services providers in the UK.

"We expect it will appeal to hundreds of local retailers in Ireland who want to give their customers the chance to benefit from mobile broadband, but need a low-cost solution."

The company employs over 900 people in Ireland with a headquarters in Dublin and offices in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.