Technical details

BT Openzone uses:

• the 2.4GHz radio frequency
• connection speeds of up to 11Mbps, with a range of up to 100 metres
• internet-connected 'wireless LAN base stations'
• IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN protocol
• the same frequency range used by mobile phones*

The UK government gave the go-ahead for the use of Wi-Fi technology in public places in June 2002.

Now BT can create partnerships with businesses that are able to host BT Openzone hubs at their public outlets.

WLANA is a non-profit wireless LAN consortium. The WLANA learning centre contains lots of information about wireless LAN.

Find out what equipment do I need?

(* Most Wi-Fi hotspots operate in the same radio frequency ranges as mobile phones. However, hotspots are designed to avoid interference between mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices. Please note that such radio signals are subject to the same forms of degradation occasionally experienced when using a mobile phone. But because you tend to be much nearer to a hotspot, you can simply move a short distance away for a clearer signal.)

Wireless standards
BT Openzone protects the integrity of its network and follows standard wireless security measures to protect your laptop or PDA, including authentication and account security.