New public WiFi network to rival The Cloud

A new, free public WiFi network is now available for eager surfers across the UK. But the hope is with this one, you won't be obliged to purchase a coffee or a sandwich to make use of the priviledge.

The network in question, Freerunner, was been set up by Owen Geddes, part of the original team responsible for the popular The Cloud network. Instead of concentrating on smaller, commercial venues though, the purpose of this new venture is to offer free access points in large community areas such as libraries, train stations and schools.

It's still going to be available in popular venues such as coffee shops and restaurants too, but for this service the venue will be responsible for paying the fees, said to stand around a third of costs currently charged by other rival operators.

Speaking on the new venture, Geddes, CEO of Freerunners, commented: “Back in 2002, free, open access points were popping up all over the place and there was a real buzz about the potential of public Wi-Fi. Since then, networks have been locked down and access for a day can cost more than your home broadband costs in a month.”

After receiving funding from NorthStar the North East of the UK will be the first to benefit from the new Freerunner network. However, if it proves successful expect to see it expand across the country shortly.