Consumers can now access the Web and corporate networks at extremely high speeds by using a new wireless technology introduced yesterday by mobile firm O2.
The company has installed 12 "wireless hotspots" at hotels in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork that will offer consumers internet access at speeds 25 to 30 times faster than a dial-up modem.
O2 Ireland is also negotiating with airports, train stations and exclusive apartment complexes about setting up further wireless local area networks (LAN).
O2 has branded the new service "Wireless Zone". Customers who want to use the service must have a relatively modern laptop with built in wireless LAN compatibility, or they will have to purchase a special data card that connects to their PC. This card will cost them €329.
Regular users can sign up with O2 for a fixed monthly subscription of €10 and additional charges for each €2 per 20 minute session. Consumers who sign up can also choose to pay a flat rate of €3 for each 20-minute session. All these subscription charges exclude VAT.
Consumers can also choose not to sign up to one service provider but instead buy usage vouchers at the hotel or train station where they are using the hotspot. A one-hour voucher will cost €10 while a 24-hour voucher will cost €20, excluding VAT.
