O2 will roll out UK-wide hotspots by 2013

Businesses reminded to focus on security while providers must improve ease of use

Mobile operator O2's plans to create a UK-wide network of Wi-Fi hotspots will be welcomed by IT chiefs, but only if mobile users start to take security more seriously.

O2 today said that by 2013 it will install double the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots currently run by its rivals. These will provide free high-speed internet access for everyone, O2 said.

"O2 Wi-Fi hotspots will bring high-quality public Wi-Fi access to the majority of mobile users," O2's new business development director, Tim Sefton, said in a statement.

The availability of a network of Wi-Fi hotspots run by a carrier would be welcomed by IT chiefs, said Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at Quocirca.

Currently, there is huge variability in the quality of hotspot services, meaning business users cannot be certain they will not end up on a network with fiendishly complex sign-on procedures, or one with erratic connectivity, he told Computing.

But widespread availability of a reliable and easy-to-use Wi-Fi service would be warmly welcomed by mobile workers and IT chiefs alike, he added.

The one caveat is that it redoubles the need to ensure mobile devices are secured, said Bamforth.

"Easier access to Wi-Fi hotspots increases the need for enterprises to sort security out, ensuring devices, data and access to the device is secured," he said.

"Experience shows that without proper controls, mobile workers frequently choose convenience over security, and use unsecured networks without thinking about the risk," said Bamforth.

O2's Wi-Fi rollout will start by replacing the 450 Cloud hotspots in its retail and office estate. This will then be extended to "strategic venues", which include shops, restaurants, retail outlets and outdoor and indoor locations across the UK.