Wi-Fi goes beyond the Fringe

Wireless internet access is hogging the limelight at the Arts for Life Edinburgh Fringe event this year.

Visitors to the famous festival are being offered free wireless internet access throughout the event until 24 August via a hotspot set up by Broadreach Networks, 3Com and Intel.

The hotspot uses Broadreach's ReadytoSurf techonogy and wireless hardware provided by 3Com to deliver secure broadband internet access. 3Com also worked with Broadreach at this year's Wimbledon tennis championships.

"The Arts are all about the freedom to express yourself creatively, and wireless access to the internet and other networks frees people to do what they want, when they want," said Angelo Lamme, 3Com's international product marketing manager for wireless and security.

Broadreach will also be providing pay-as-you-go fixed terminals at the Ross Theatre in Princes Street Gardens, by the side of the theatre's main stage, where users will be able to obtain vouchers that will enable them to purchase time online.

Broadreach chief executive Magnus McEwen-King said: "We see a strong future for public internet access, and Wi-Fi is one of the technologies that will play a key role as we roll out our services to locations across the country."