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16th June 2005 - Vodafone Germany and The Cloud have
formed a strategic WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
partnership. The Cloud plans to establish a nationwide
network of 10,000 hotspots over the next four years,
which will provide wireless Internet at key public access
points. From the beginning of July onwards, Vodafone
customers will be able to use around 1,000 WLAN hotspots
in Germany, in addition to the high-speed 3G network.
In conjunction with 3G, the planned hotspot network
will offer optimum network coverage and maximum net
speed. 3G network coverage already exists in more than
700 German towns and cities, and it is continually being
extended.
WLAN hotspots at airports, train stations, bars, cafés
and petrol stations will be used by customers as a convenient
stationary alternative to the available 3G technology.
Vodafone customers will be billed via their mobile phone
invoice for maximum convenience. Special Vodafone data
tariffs are available for the use of 3G and WLAN.
"This strategic partnership with The Cloud complements
our 3G-related data service portfolio," said Frank
Rövekamp, Marketing Director of Vodafone Germany.
"We have deliberately opted for an open network
so that we can offer our customers attractive tariffs
and excellent services."
"Vodafone is our preferred partner in Germany,
which is one of our key markets in continental Europe",
said George Polk, CEO of The Cloud. "3G in conjunction
with WLAN is an essential aspect of integrated solutions
from mobile network operators. More than 27 million
Vodafone customers will benefit from this service."
Visit the website for further information at www.vodafone.de
The Cloud
As Europe's largest operator of wireless broadband networks
(WLAN), The Cloud has almost 6000 hotspots in the UK,
Germany and The Nordics. In the UK, The Cloud is market
leader with over 5400 hotspots. Every week, this rapidly-expanding
company installs an average of over 100 new hotspots.
The Cloud was founded in spring 2003 and its partners
include O2, BT British Telekom, Ericsson and Intel.
In order to finance its further expansion, the venture
capital providers 3i and Accel Partners, Europe, have
acquired a stake in The Cloud.
The Cloud operates a multi-service provider platform
that enables Internet service providers, mobile phone
companies and cable providers to offer their customers
simple WLAN access with a company-specific look and
feel. The Cloud's technology ensures that the hotspot
operators at airports, train stations, cafés
and hotels can cater to all key service providers and
therefore maximise their sales potential. End consumers
benefit from the simple and uncomplicated use of The
Cloud's hotspots.
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