Wireless served up at Wimbledon

Tennis fans can hit the net while their heroes try to avoid it, by using wireless internet kiosks installed at Wimbledon.

Spectators at this year's tournament can use the four wireless kiosks and a wireless network set up near Number One court and Centre Court.

Fans of Tim Henman, who is battling thirteenth seed Sebastien Grosjean today, can email match progress reports to friends, check the latest scores in other games, or send digital pictures back to those unlucky enough to be stuck in the office.

The service, offered by internet service provider Broadreach, includes a 3Com network access point and a Bluesocket WG-2100 wireless gateway for security and management.

Jeff Lucas, IT director at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, said in a statement: "We are constantly seeking to improve and enhance the facilities and experience of the public at Wimbledon.

"We are delighted to be the first in the UK and Europe to offer Wi-Fi hotspots at the Championships. Spectators can now sit back and enjoy the tennis without having to worry that they are out of touch with home or the office."

Angelo Lamme, wireless and security segment manager at 3Com, explained that any 802.11b wireless enabled laptop or handheld will also be able to access the network.

He said that the 3Com 8000 wireless local area network access point also provides security, in the form of a client-to-client lock so that users will not be able to see each other.

"And if people want to connect to a corporate network they can set up a virtual private network which is highly encrypted," he added.

The Wimbledon wireless network is free to use, and Lamme explained that there are two business models for public wireless access: to charge or to give it away.

He said that one coffee-shop chain found that with free wireless access available in its shops, consumption of coffee per customer increased from two to 2.6 cups. "It's a marketing mechanism as well," he said.