EIM hotspot service to enable wireless connection to the Web

Emirates Internet and Multimedia (EIM), the ISP business unit of Etisalat, announced yesterday it is expanding high-speed Internet coverage to the UAE by launching its iZone-branded public wireless hotspot service.

The new technology will allow users to wirelessly connect to the Internet at broadband speeds from selected public locations.

"As of today, iZones will be available to all existing EIM subscribers, DialUp and DialUp accounts associated with Al Shamil and BusinessOne," it said.

By using a wireless enabled laptop or PDA, it will now be possible to gain access to a high-speed Internet connection in public venues without any cables or wires by simply entering the DialUp user-name and password into the browser of the wireless enabled device.

"We are committed to providing high speed Internet coverage in public venues to Internet mobile users," said Abdullah Hashim, EIM senior manager of business development and marketing.

"Although this is the first significant step to offer mobility through a reliable, high-speed network, it is certainly not the last. This is just one wireless solution that will complement our fixed networks of broadband Internet technologies."

Hotspots are often located in high traffic venues such as airports, coffee shops, exhibition halls, shopping malls, convention centres as well as hotel lobbies.

The service is for those who find it the most convenient way to use the Internet while on the move. It is for all Internet users who look for a fast, mobile, and omnipresent Internet connection.

To make the service affordable, users will be charged on usage basis in addition to the login flat charges.

EIM plans to achieve a target of 100 hotspot locations by the end of 2004.