HP tempts SMEs with free Wi-Fi on selected laptops

HP is offering a free Wi-Fi deal through The Cloud

HP has struck a strategic partnership with mobile Wi-Fi provider The Cloud to offer free Wi-Fi on selected laptops.

Customers buying the B-range or P-range of HP notebooks or mobile workstations will now receive a year's free Wi-Fi access across The Cloud's UK network, which the firm values at over £100.

The service can be activated by registering online and downloading client software that will automatically connect the HP notebook or mobile workstation to the internet whenever it is in range of one of The Cloud's hotspots.

The deal is mainly targeted at small and medium sized businesses (SMBs), which HP defines as firms with fewer than 500 employees. The cheapest eligible laptop is the Compaq 6735b at £529.

"We know through talking to our customers that anywhere, anytime connectivity is high-up on the business agenda in order to help maximise productivity, but connectivity comes at an added cost," said David Wright, vice president and general manager of HP's Personal Systems Group, UK and Ireland.

"This innovative proposition demonstrates HP's commitment to our SMB customers by giving them access to the largest network of Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK absolutely free of charge."