BBC inks content deal with The Cloud for wi-fi access

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 17-Oct-07, 10:40

LONDON - The BBC has agreed a deal with wireless company The Cloud to provide free wi-fi access to BBC online content across 7,500 public locations in the UK.

The deal will allow BBC.co.uk users to access a host of downloadable programme material, including 'Strictly Come Dancing', 'Top Gear' and 'Have I Got News for You', via The Cloud's network of UK hotspots, which can be found at 7,500 locations including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, as well as branches of McDonald's and Coffee Republic.

Users will be instantly directed to an interactive video link on The Cloud's landing site which allows them to view BBC online content via the BBC iPlayer. The corporation said it was the first time a UK broadcaster had made all of its online content available, for free, via wi-fi.

The Cloud will extend BBC online access to outdoor and indoor locations, including areas of London's Square Mile and Canary Wharf.

The BBC plans to extend the service to mobile phones and other smart handheld devices, but will only be available on wi-fi compatible laptops initially.

Owen Geddes, group director of business development at The Cloud, said: "Wi-fi is emerging as the technology of choice for media and content owners wanting to extend their reach beyond traditional channels.

"The explosion of media-capable devices, coupled with the high bandwidth and low cost wi-fi offers, means high-quality video and audio can be delivered to people wherever they are."