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Swisscom Eurospot

Known as Megabeam until late last year, Swisscom Eurospot is able to offer service at more than 1,100 venues.

More than 200 are currently operational. Together with some further 400 venues in four countries, including Switzerland, serviced by Swisscom's roaming partners, Swisscom Eurospot will be able to offer service at more than 1,100 venues.

Most of the firm's sites are located in hotels and airports across the U.K. and Europe. Signing up is very easy, and can be completed across the web using a local Wi-Fi hot spot free of charge, or over the phone.

All of the sites we called or visited, were well versed in the service and how it operated, referring users to the Eurospot helpline in the case of technical questions.

Usage rates are more expensive than BT OpenZone, starting at 5 euros for just 15 minutes, €7.50 for an hour, and €30 for 24 hours. Companies can also sign up for a year's all-you-can-use service at €1,020s.

Eurospot takes its security very seriously, and is arguably the most 'switched on' in terms of security of all the WiFi networks we've encountered.

The login pages of the service include pointers to services such as Microsoft's `Get a Digital ID' pages, and there's even a facility to download free encryption software on the user help pages.

Swisscom appears to be continuing this strategy quite well and, while the service is more expensive than BT OpenZone, the international roaming facilities and excellent user support, both on the phone and over the web, are worth the extra.

Whilst the service is more expensive than BT OpenZone, the international roaming facilities and excellent user support, both on the phone and over the web, are worth the extra.

We liked the company's approach to security. Its web site is excellent and the company responds to emailed enquiries promptly.

We were especially impressed with the firm's helpline, which operates on the new multi-country 00800 freephone service. These services can cost companies as much as $1 per minute, but are free to the user.

Product title
Swisscom Eurospot
Product info
Name: Swisscom Eurospot (Telecoms Security group test) Description: Price: from €5 for 15 minutes
Strength
Europe's largest public access WiFi network. Transparent to VPN and encrypted online sessions, once login has been completed.
Weakness
Not cheap, especially for short (15 minute) sessions and annual subscriptions.
Verdict
Expensive, as public Wi-Fi networks go, but definitely in the 'Rolls-Royce' class when it comes to customer support and available bandwidth.

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