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Google is considering deploying Wi-Fi networks in towns and cities covered by its Google Fiber high-speed Internet service, reports Computer World.

Specific details of the Wi-Fi plan are not included in the document, which was seen by IDG News Service, but Google says it will be “discussing our Wi-Fi plans and related requirements with your city as we move forward with your city during this planning process.”

Google declined to answer specific questions about the plans but in an emailed statement said, “We’d love to be able to bring Wi-Fi access to all of our Fiber cities, but we don’t have any specific plans to announce right now.”

Hotspot 2.0 technology could position Google’s Wi-Fi as an alternative to cellular services – or suppliment it. Hotspot 2.0 allows users to seamlessly roam from a cellular connection to a Wi-Fi connection.

Hotspot 2.0 with seamless roaming is popping up all over:

• Comcast and Time Warner Cable will use Hotspot 2.0 in their public Wi-Fi networks.
  
• Facebook Wi-Fi lets customers check in to participating businesses on Facebook for free Wi-Fi access. Cisco and Facebook will partner and encourage merchants to set up and maintain Pages on the social network.
  
• GOWEX is offering Free WiFi for Miami, NY City and San Francisco. GoWEX offers free and premium WI-Fi connectivity at public places, coffee shops and public transit.
  

AT&T is using ACCURIS, a Roaming hub, Accuris Networks’ and its AccuRoam technology authenticates Wi-Fi roamers. These new roaming hub companies such as Accuris and Syniverse can make money with Hotspot 2.0 by routing authentication requests to operators as well by facilitating the cumbersome billing and settlement process.

BGR says Amazon is planning to offer a unique wireless data plan alongside its first smartphone, which is set to launch in the coming months. Amazon’s smartphone could be made available exclusively on AT&T’s network in the United States, according to BGR. The Boy Genius Report had some spy photos of Amazon’s handset, expected to launch in September.

The Amazon phone would use “Prime Data,” and positioned as one of several key selling points for the phone. Prime Data could be the first high-profile deal based on a setup similar to the carrier’s new “Sponsored Data” program.

Related Dailywireless articles include; Google Fiber Expands to More Cities, Google Fiber Going Wireless?, GOWEX: Free WiFi for Miami, Ad-Sponsored WiFi Initiatives from Gowex & Facebook, Comcast Creates Hotspot 2.0 National Network, Ruckus Announces Cloud-Based WiFi Services, FCC Authorizes High Power at 5.15 – 5.25 GHz, FCC Moves to Add 195 MHz to Unlicensed 5 GHz band, FCC Paves Way for 3.5 ghz, WiFi & Hotspot 2.0 at MWC, Google Fiber Expands to More Cities, Google Fiber Launches in Kansas City ,

Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014 17:47:40 +0000 at http://www.dailywireless.org/2014/04/25/...-wifi-too/
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