Free WiFi (potentially) Coming soon to android and Windows phone

Soldato
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/...ogle-and-Microsoft-go-on-wi-fi-offensive.html

All speculation of course, resulting from the fact google and microsoft are interested in buying unused airspace in the UK.

Google recently got in on the broadband business in Kansas in the states, so it could just be them diversifying their business model over here, but its completely new territory for Microsoft.


Would the prospect of free WiFi tempt to you buy WP7 or Android? Do you think the Carriers will allow them to offer such a service for free?


Things just keep on getting more interesting
 
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I guess it depends who's willing to splash the most cash (The networks and google certainly have plenty of it) and how good their overall bid is.

I think from a competition point of view a Google/Microsoft or even a joint bid would be attractive.

You never know Traditional Networks might be blocked from this since it could be considered that they have enough spectrum and buying further spectrum without a specific purpose to benefit the community could be deemed anti-competitive.

The thing is these gaps in the spectrum have been there for a reason. Why do they no think that they can use them without effecting other services?
 
If you don't use much data it wouldn't really appeal to you, so wouldn't affect your choice of phone.

For data users (depending on what's offered) it would be great. Especially if you don't make make calls or texts.
 
I hardly use any data. But then I spend hardly any time out of wifi, when I am, I'm driving or passing through poor reception. So it wouldn't bother me too much. I get 1.5Gb/month on my contract and use about 200Mb. If I was a commuter on a train... but then, we can get unlimited for £10/£15 anyway can't we?

But I do see this is the way things are going. Devices and delivery becoming next to nothing, with services being the things we pay for.
 
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Very interesting and it would be great. It might actually push cloud services into viable services, rather than just back up.

In the meantime I just hope they unlock a hidden feature in wp8 I'm assuming they are waiting for something.
Hidden is an app, can't remeber the company but iirc it's available in some format on other Os. That auto logs in to "unsecured" wifi. So McDonald's, coffee shops. When someone logs in, it sends the details to a server and uses these details to automatically login other users. So you no longer need to agree to t&cs and supply your email address etc, can configure the app to login or not login depending on situations and they're hopping to improve the selection method. So you can say what yourdata limit is and it'll work out the speeds of available networks and log you into the best one. Rather than the current wifi, 4g,3G, edge model.
In some situations 4g/3G is faster than wifi so will keep you on 4g/3G but if it knows your running low on data, it'll connect you to wifi only.

Here it is, be interesting if
A) the details are true
B) if it works/implamneted
MOBILE DESIGNER Microsoft has signed a deal with Devicescape to offer Windows Phone 8 users access to WiFi networks.
Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 is arguably the firm's last chance to make up ground on Apple's IOS and Google's Android and the company is pulling out all the stops as it tries to make its mobile operating system an attractive proposition. The firm has signed a deal with Devicescape so Windows Phone 8 users can automatically connect to WiFi hotspots rather than rely on flakey 3G or 4G mobile networks.
Devicescape claims its virtual WiFi network contains 100 million hotsports that have been pretested for performance, with the firm calling the service a curated virtual network (CVN). The firm doesn't provide the hotspots, but rather a single login for users that can be used within its virtual network.
Devicescape CEO Dave Fraser said, "By leveraging the Devicescape network of public hotspots, Microsoft can now pass along tremendous value to its Windows Phone 8 users enabling them to locate a nearby quality WiFi network. Windows Phone 8 users will now have an alternative way to manage their monthly data plan while maintaining the quality of service they are accustomed to from their mobile provider."

The Inquirer (http://s.tt/1sgsv)
 
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