Colubris Networks, a global provider of intelligent wireless LAN (WLAN) access equipment and management systems, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide its public access Wi-Fi equipment to Broadreach Networks Limited, and began deliveries in February of this year for deployment in the ReadytoSurf™ network. The deal creates the world’s first neutral host Wi-Fi network by enabling third-party service providers to have an SSID of their own and giving total brand control to the service provider.
In a separate announcement, Broadreach Networks unveiled its strategy to open its network and offer “White-label” products.
Founded in 2000 as a spinout from Arthur D. Little, and backed by British Telecom, Intel and Virgin, Broadreach Networks is a leading provider of Internet locations, through both terminal and wireless hotspots. It operates one of the largest networks in the UK under the ReadytoSurf brand name and through strategic partnerships, serves more than 40 million third party service provider customers in Europe. ReadytoSurf provides Wi-Fi access for “users on the move” at a wide range of public hotspot locations across Europe including on trains, in train stations, hotels, cafes, shops and leisure centers, as well as at special events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. The announcement was made at “The Wireless LAN Event” taking place from April 6-7, 2004 in Olympia, London, England.
“We selected Colubris Networks to provide this key component of our Wi-Fi network as we expand ReadytoSurf into the growing European hotspot marketplace,” said Magnus McEwen-King, CEO and founder of Broadreach Networks. “Colubris Networks’ Virtual AP technology is a major step forward in simplifying the adoption of Wi-Fi by third party service providers because it puts the customer owner in control of their brand experience. This agreement will allow us to foster Wi-Fi partnerships based on mutual success, while offering millions of subscribers throughout the region more choice and flexibility when it comes to Internet access – whether they are at home, in the office, or on-the-go.”
“The WLAN market in Europe is showing solid growth and today’s announcement between Broadreach Networks and Colubris Networks is yet another example,” said Richard Webb, directing analyst, wireless LANs, Infonetics Research, Inc. “To help keep that momentum going, service providers are seeking solutions that enable them to deliver robust security, provision multiple customers from the same hardware platform, scale as demand increases, and integrate into their existing networks without incurring substantial capital investment. Colubris Networks products address all of those requirements and more, and can be managed centrally to simplify WLAN deployment.”
“With access to the largest Internet user base in the UK, Broadreach Networks is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning Wi-Fi hotspot market,” said Barry Fougere, president and CEO of Colubris Networks. “Our products have rapidly become the infrastructure of choice for service providers around the world and our work with Broadreach Networks is a significant additional endorsement of Colubris Networks’ superior technology. Our Virtual AP technology gives ReadytoSurf users a seamless, secure and positive Wi-Fi experience, while expanding their choice in service provider partners when traveling.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Colubris Networks is supplying its CN3200 and CN320 intelligent access devices for use in the ReadytoSurf network. Broadreach Networks uses the Colubris Networks industry-first “Virtual Access Point” (AP) technology to broadcast multiple “SSIDs” within its hotspots. Each SSID advertises a direct connection to services offered by the company’s roaming partners, enabling hotspot users to select their preferred provider from the beginning of their session. This gives the user a fast, familiar click-and-go log-in process, while Broadreach Networks’ service provider partners benefit by maintaining a consistently branded service regardless of the location and underlying transport network. Broadreach Networks has announced that it will offer 8 SSIDs including its own ReadytoSurf brand, six of which have already been pre-allocated to third party service provider partners.
The Colubris Networks white paper “Virtual Access Point Technology Multiplies WLAN Services” is available at www.colubris.com/en/support/whitepapers. Members of the media and market research communities interested in speaking with company executives in-person at The Wireless LAN event are invited to visit booth # 803.
About Broadreach Networks Limited
Broadreach Networks Limited operates one of the largest networks of public Internet access locations in the UK. Its UK-wide network of ReadytoSurf™ Internet Locations provides wireless and terminal broadband access for business and personal users. Backed by BT, Intel and Virgin, Broadreach has access to the largest user base in the UK. Roaming agreements with a range of ISPs and mobile operators give it access to over 25 million potential users, putting Broadreach at the forefront of the public Internet access market.
Broadreach is approaching the public Internet access market through three key channels – Transport, Hotels/Leisure and Retail. Currently, it is rolling out 4,000 locations throughout the UK for blue-chip partners such as Little Chef, Network Rail, Virgin Trains and Virgin Megastores.
Formed in May 2000 as a spinout from Arthur D. Little, the international management consultancy firm, Broadreach is the leading independent provider of public Internet access services in the UK. To find out more about Broadreach Networks Ltd and the ReadytoSurf™ product and services please visit our website (www.broadreachnet.com or www.readytosurf.com) or contact us at Broadreach Networks Limited, 25 Floral Street, London WC2E 9DS. Tel 020 7031 8160 (e-mail pressoffice@broadreachnet.com).
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is a global provider of intelligent wireless LAN access equipment and management systems for service providers and enterprises. The company’s award-winning products deliver seamless, secure access to broadband networks while integrating into existing network infrastructure, security and management systems. Colubris Networks’ equipment is deployed by more than 400 organizations worldwide, including Swisscom Eurospot, Telecom Italia, NTT-ME, McGill University, STSN, Connexion by Boeing, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and three of the world’s largest hotel chains. The company’s partners include ADC, Alcatel, Juniper Networks, RSA Security, Airwave, Funk Software, iPass, and a worldwide network of value-added-resellers.For more information visit the company at www.colubris.com or contact us at info@colubris.com.
