Customers on O2 can soon connect to any of the operator’s WiFi access points with no authentication needed.
The enhanced WiFi service, called O2 WiFi Extra, will be available at over 11,000 WiFi access points across the UK in the next eight weeks.
This will allow the network’s 24.5 million customers automatic access to O2’s WiFi network with no-sign up required.
By automatically connecting to the WiFi service when it’s stronger than their 3G or 4G phone signals, O2 hopes the service will help customers “save” on mobile data allowance.
The latest security software will be used and any data sent over the WiFi service will be fully encrypted.
Before O2 WiFi Extra was O2 WiFi. This launched in 2011 and was available at participating outlets including McDonald’s, Debenhams, Costa Coffee and Blueswater. Customers using the service are required to authenticate themselves.
“Delivering O2 Wifi Extra’s capabilities on such a large scale for our customers is a first for a UK public WiFi provider,” said O2 digital commerce managing director Robert Franks.
“It’s a great step forward for our customers. They’ll get the best data service available to them as well as being able to stay safe and secure online, wherever they may be.”
