Vodafone Germany and The Cloud have formed a partnership to provide WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) infrastructure. 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 increase network coverage and 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 stationary alternative to the available 3G technology. Vodafone customers will be billed via their mobile phone invoice. The company promises special data tariffs will be 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."
