BT cuts off WiFi access to The Cloud

BT has warned customers that they will no longer be able to access public WiFi provided by The Cloud from next week - a service change that will affect coverage at thousands of hotspots. As a result of unsuccessful talks between The Cloud and BT, the partnership will come to an end at 9am on the 2nd October, with both home and business broadband subscribers being affected by the cut-off. Speaking to The Register, a spokesperson from The Cloud, explained: "It's disappointing for BT Openzone customers that they will no longer be able to benefit from the convenience of our hotspots - we are disappointed with BT could not reach acceptable commercial terms, though we are certain everyone will understand that our service partners, O2, Orange, AT&T, iPass and many others are happy to do business with The Cloud."

However, BT also responded with reassurance that service should be maintained: "It's a decision we haven't made lightly," said the email posted on The Register. "While we know this affects the WiFi coverage you might be used to, or hotspots you regularly visit, the great news is that because the availability of WiFi from BT has grown significantly in the past year, we don't think you'll be too disadvantaged." With WiFi access from The Cloud cut off, BT confirmed that their customers will have access to 3,000 UK hotspots and 40,000 worldwide at various public areas including airports, hotels and city centres. Source: The Register