iDNet and the Cloud

[Tacitus]

Given that iDNet have embraced a supplier other than BT (= Telefonica wholesale) does anyone know whether they have ever considered becoming a reseller for one of the cloud services?  This would probably mean the Cloud and/or BTOpenzone since they are the largest and most widespread of the WiFi services.

Given the increasing use of mobile WiFi, a subscription to one of these services might be an added selling point, particularly on the business packages, although whether it would add value would depend to a large extent on the profile of iDNet subscribers.  4G might render public WiFi irrelevant, but we're a long way off it being widely available. 

[Rik]

I haven't heard of any such plans, Tac, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

[Tacitus]

Just a thought Rik.  I am subscribed to the Cloud via my iPhone plan with O2, but I'm not sure if this applies to new users since the Cloud was sold to Sky.  O2 are currently offering WiFi via BTOpenzone with their iPad data plans. 

I would much rather pay iDNet the subscription since they would get a cut even though the money finally ends up with Sky/BT.  For business users this might prove a useful add-on to an iDNet broadband plan.

[Steve]

I think O2 are still offerring WiFi via the Cloud , it is part of my SIM only contract and looks like it's still available as part of the data bolt on. I think for me BT OpenZone would offer more availability especially when the home internet is down as I've a few hotspots available from neighbours.

[psp83]

I have Cloud and BT OZ with my data contract on O2, The Cloud works fine, connects straight away when I'm near an access point.. BT OZ on the other hand has never worked.. Even using the iPhone app for it.

It turns out that only certain BT OZ access points can be used and the ones that ask for a username / password don't work with your data plan, if you get one that asks for your phone number then it will work. Not seen one of those yet though 

[Tacitus]

It turns out that only certain BT OZ access points can be used and the ones that ask for a username / password don't work with your data plan, if you get one that asks for your phone number then it will work. Not seen one of those yet though 

I've found that as well.  At one time I could connect to OZ on Birmingham New St station, but recently it asks for my phone number and then refuses it, possibly because it recognises it as Orange from whom I transferred the number.  BT really need to get themselves sorted, but what's new.  Within the Bull Ring shopping centre where the Cloud is the dominant system, my iPhone connects without any problem.  Getting a decent speed out of it is something else......

In London it's a complete lottery whether the OZ point you find - and there are plenty of them - is one you are able to connect to.  Maybe iDNet are wise to steer clear of the whole thing......   

[mervl]

I think you'll find that the third party recognition of your ported telephone number as that of the operator to whom it was originally issued is normal. Your own operator knows different for their billing purposes, but is probably prevented from giving that information out as it would be a breach of your "rights" under the Data Protection Act (unless of course to the well-known trusties of the police or government!). Such are the joys of the law.

[Technical Ben]

Sorry, what is the "Cloud"?

Oh sorry, "The Cloud". As in a Wi-Fi hotspot service from Sky. Sorry, I got really confused with it there, thinking of the general term "cloud". 

[Tacitus]

Sorry, what is the "Cloud"?

Oh sorry, "The Cloud". As in a Wi-Fi hotspot service from Sky. Sorry, I got really confused with it there, thinking of the general term "cloud". 

My mistake, I should have capitalised both words to avoid confusion.......  And I work at a University   

[Steve]

I'm finding it very confusing what the heck I can connect to on O2.I think it's just 'The Cloud' as every time I try OZ it seems to want money. However I didn't realise O2 have or are planning to have their own wiFi network.

http://www.silicon.com/technology/networks/2011/01/26/o2-announces-free-wi-fi-for-all-39746865/

[Simon]

Are you off to see the wizard, Steve? 

[Steve]

No, just Father Xmas.

[Simon]

I suppose we should be getting him out of his box soon. 

[Rik]

Plus a few more...

[Glenn]

I suppose we should be getting him out of his box soon. 

His name is Jack Ina. 

[Simon]

[Glenn]

 

[Rik]

 

[Ray]

 

[Technical Ben]

My mistake, I should have capitalised both words to avoid confusion.......  And I work at a University   

No problem. More me getting easily confused. I thought "of cause they cannot connect, they need an ISP for that..." 

[Tacitus]

I'm finding it very confusing what the heck I can connect to on O2.I think it's just 'The Cloud' as every time I try OZ it seems to want money. However I didn't realise O2 have or are planning to have their own wiFi network.
http://www.silicon.com/technology/networks/2011/01/26/o2-announces-free-wi-fi-for-all-39746865/

Nice find Steve, but if O2 are providing one of their own it's not one that I've ever discovered.  The Cloud and Openzone are the only ones I've generally found apart from the T-Mobile ones that you find in some branches of Starbucks.  My guess is it will be limited to London and the south east.  When I first got my iPhone I could connect to Openzone on Birmingham New St station and I was using the same Orange number then that I use now. 

I think there's been some shift in policy and what were OpenZone spots are now done via some sort of HomeHub system where you are using bandwidth from someone else.  Hence why you are asked to pay for it.

[lozcart]

If you are on O2 and having trouble connecting to OZ or The cloud wifi then you can reset it by texting WIFI to 2121 or at this link

https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=29&q1=26