IPhone and Android users get free hotspot access

BT has released a mobile application that lets customers automatically connect to the firm's UK network of 1.6 million Wi-Fi hotspots for free using their smartphone.

The free-to-download application for iPhone and Android devices gives BT Total Broadband customers unlimited access to any hotspot in range, the company said. It also includes a mapping service so that customers can find their nearest hotspot.

The customer just needs to download the application, key in their BT Internet email username and password, and choose to be automatically logged in whenever a BT Wi-Fi signal is available.

Users get access not only to BT's network of OpenZone hotspots, but those making up BT's FON Wi-Fi community, through which customers open up some of their Wi-Fi bandwidth for others to access.

BT will donate 50p to the BBC's Children in Need appeal every time the BT FON application is downloaded, up to a maximum of £10,000.