July/Aug 2004

iPass, the global Wi-Fi wireless networking hotspot specialist, claims to be the first supplier in the field to have notched up 10,000 hotspots in its worldwide global roaming network - a figure it reached in June. (Actually the figure was 11,179.)

Since these spots are spread among 33 countries, coverage in individual countries varies. According to the company's hotspot finder, there are 152 hotspots in London, 15 in Manchester and six in Newcastle - all representing quite good coverage.

The hotspots are provided by a total of 39 different networks. They have been built up over the course of 27 months, and the company says they required negotiation with 100 different network providers. Coverage includes 1,500 hotels worldwide.