After Google, Yahoo goes WiFi too
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Indeed, wireless technologies are the future of the Internet. And apparently, it’s so tempting to provide some wireless services that, in the wake of Google, Yahoo is discretely experimenting some testing WiFi broadband access for its members.
TechCrunch relayed a Antonescu Razvan’s screenshot of a Yahoo! survey where we can read: “Yahoo! Messenger is considering offering a new service to its users.” And later, on the same screenshot, “with Yahoo! Messenger on-the-road, you can connect to Yahoo! Messenger, send instant messages and make calls from more than 30,000 Yahoo! Messenger-friendly WiFi hotspots around the world.” A Premium level is also considered, which will let users get access “to not only Yahoo! Messenger, but also get unrestricted access to anything and everything on the Internet.”
Will Yahoo partner some telecommunications companies? Is Yahoo going to acquire them? Where are those 30,000 hotspots? In the United States? Somewhere in Europe? It’s too early to answer these questions.
Skype’s speech
The most intriguing is that Skype also provides the same service in beta testing. “Skype Zones BETA is a little piece of software powered by Boingo that gives you access to Skype through thousands of Skype-friendly hot spots, while you’re on the move.”
We checked on Boingo’s website. They claim just 30,000 WiFi hotspots around the world.
Now, on the premium level, Skype does it too: “Accessing Skype Zones and enjoying Skype from hotspots is not free, but it is pretty cheap. You can try it out for two hours for just € 2.50 ($2.95) or you can enjoy it as much as you want for a whole month for € 6.50 ($7.95).” And guess what? Prices levels are the same.
So from what is said, we assume: 1) Yahoo! is very seriously considering to enter the telecommunication market as a VoIP phone service provider; 2) Yahoo wants to know if Skype Zones access rates and business model would be well accepted by its members. But still, it doesn’t tell us if Yahoo will contract Boingo.
UPDATE: In the survey, Yahoo proposed some possible telecommunications companies. Here they are: Verizon, AT&T, Boingo Wireless, T-Mobile. And for the record, the survey web page is entitled “Boingo Wireless Concept Test.” Thanks again for the tip, Antonescu Razvan.
Apr 19, 2006 | By Nuno
1 comment
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broadband wireless services is the trend .The decision of get it or lose it is not easy but those big.Is it an opportunity to the newcomers? No.We don’t wish just to see the crush of the bubble.