IT Business
BSkyB buys up public Wi-Fi network The Cloud
Sky Player soon to make it to mobile devices
By Carrie-Ann Skinner | PC Advisor | Published 13:25, 28 January 11
Sky has confirmed it has purchased public Wi-Fi network, The Cloud.
Rumours first surfaced last week that the News Corp-owned broadcaster was planning to acquire the Wi-Fi provider, which offers wireless services in more than 22,000 locations throughout Europe. However, Sky revealed the agreement had actually been made on January 11.
Also in this channel
Virtualisation, Big Data and BYOD
Check out our Business IT Hub for opinions and briefings. Read more
It is thought Sky will offer its broadband customers access to the Wi-Fi network when out and about. Rival ISP, BT already provides a similar offering to its Broadband customers through it's BT OpenZone network, which has some 65,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK.
Sky also revealed The Cloud's Wi-Fi network will be utilised in making the broadcaster's catch-up TV service, Sky Player, available on mobile devices.
"Later in the year, we will launch a new service, Sky Anywhere, to make it easier for customers to enjoy our programmes wherever they are," said BSkyB chief executive.
Sky did not disclose the terms of the deal.
