Belgian cable operator Telenet plans to add half a million extra free Wi-Fi locations for its customers by turning the wireless modems at its subscribers’ homes into so-called Homespots.
Taking its cue from the FON concept, Telenet begins to roll out its Homespots with some 15,000 customers in Ghent. After evaluation, Telenet will roll out its homespots across its footprint. At least half a million new free Wi-Fi locations should be available by the end of next year.
Step by step the modems of 15,000 customers will be updated. The new wireless Telenet modem is configured in such a way that it is accessible to other internet customers besides the customer’s own network.
A software update will enable the modem to transmit two signals: one for private use and another for public use. This enables Telenet customers who have a wireless Internet modem of Telenet to log into the Wi-Fi network at the homes of friends or relatives with their own Telenet login and password.
Dutch cable operator Ziggo is also believed to be working at a similar scheme for its broadband customers.
