What's a Wi-Fi hotspot?

A Wi-Fi hotspot, location or access point is where you can access wireless broadband using a wireless enabled device.

Basically, there are three main types of wireless access point in the UK:

• a Wi-Fi hotspot - this is an internet access point in a public location such as a café or hotel
• a BT FON location - people share their home Wi-Fi access with other FON members
• an outdoor coverage area - an extensive public wireless network in many UK cities.

BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots

As a BT Openzone customer, you can connect to the internet at over 2.8 million Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK and Republic of Ireland

You can recognise a BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot by its BT Openzone sign. If you can't see a BT Openzone or BT Openzone network partner sign, simply start your wireless device and view available wireless networks to see if you're in range.

You'll find Wi-Fi hotspots in a wide range of locations including airport lounges and terminals, bars and pubs, BT payphones, cafés/coffee shops, city centres, clubs, colleges, conference centres and exhibition venues, health clubs, hotels, law courts, libraries, museums, motorway service stations, railway stations, restaurants, shopping areas/stores, town halls, universities... and more.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) broadband internet access from BT Openzone is brought to you by many recognisable partners such as American Airlines and Etihad Airways lounges, Starbucks, RoadChef, Hilton Hotels, Thistle Hotels and Welcome Break.

Hotspots use wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). They broadcast a standard wireless frequency (up to 100 metres) that connects your equipment to the location's internet connection. It's that simple!

Find out where to use other UK wireless internet provider networks

If you use another wireless internet service provider, you may still be able to connect to the internet at BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots - check with your provider beforehand.

Outdoor Wi-Fi internet access in city centres

You can now enjoy the convenience of wider Wi-Fi coverage and a continuous internet access service in 12 UK city centres. This is done by using a network of wireless networks or 'mesh' of 300-metre range Wi-Fi signals.

Wi-Fi hotspots outside the UK

If you're using a BT Openzone International Voucher or are a regular subscriber*, you can enjoy wireless internet access at tens of thousands of global Wi-Fi hotspots. This is thanks to BT Openzone reciprocal agreements with international roaming partners.

Find out where to use international wireless internet provider networks

* BT Openzone account holders billed monthly (BT Openzone per Minute, BT Openzone Subscription, BT Openzone Corporate Plan)