3Com and Wialess provide free internet

Reseller to provide wireless internet for cafes and restaurants

Reseller Wialess.com is eyeing the leisure market for the provision of wireless internet services.

The firm told vnunet.com's sister publication CRN that it had successfully completed a St Albans-based four month trial. It says its experience proves that by working with smaller high street chains the channel can get a share of the explosion in wireless internet access in public places.

"Resellers are happy to deal with independent companies whereas telcos deal with the big corporate chains," said Brian Parker, marketing manager at Wialess.com.

The 3Com Gold Partner has installed an ADSL line and provided 3Com wireless routers, switches and bay stations to three St Albans-based restaurants and bars.

"The cost of installing a wireless network is less than a wired network. It offers the manager of an establishment a value for money service to offer customers," said Parker.

"It's good for the customer because it works out at about six to eight pounds a day for installation and maintenance so a few extra pints sold will pay for it."

He said resellers also make additional hardware margins through maintenance and add-on sales such as laptops.

3Com said it is promoting this type of business to other resellers. Steve Wylie, wireless sales manager at 3Com UK, said it was a great opportunity for resellers.

"We are looking to expand this type of development to other resellers because at a recent Enterprise Wireless exhibition there was a lot of interest in this."

He said the push was part of 3Com's public access initiative.