What's a Wi-Fi hotspot?

A Wi-Fi hotspot is an internet access point in a public location such as a café or hotel where you can connect to the internet at broadband speed using a wireless-enabled device.

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!

BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots

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 BAA airports, Caffè Nero, Hilton hotels, Thistle Hotels and Welcome Break.

You don't have to actually be in a hotspot!

You don't necessarily need to be in a hotspot to use BT Openzone – you could just be in range. For example, you might pick up a BT Openzone signal from a café (which might not actually be a hotspot) that's simply near a BT payphone.

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 in the UK

As a BT Openzone customer, you can connect to the internet at over 190,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK and Republic of Ireland, including those provided by the BT FON Wi-Fi Community.

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.

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)