Sky set to swoop for hot spot firm The Cloud

Rupert Murdoch's Sky Broadcasting business may be about to buy UK Wi-Fi hot spot provider The Cloud, if reports are to be believed.

The suggestions have their roots in The Sunday Times, which is part of Murdoch's newspaper operations, but neither party has confirmed or denied the report.

BSkyB will announce its latest financial results this week, and the purchase is expected to be announced during the event.

The Cloud has resisted requests from V3.co.uk for a comment or confirmation, explaining that it has nothing to say at this time.

The deal would take Sky into closer competition with providers such as BT, which lets its customers enjoy the benefit of their home connection at its various hot spots across the country.

The telco has also offered unlimited use of these for iPhone and BT Total Broadband customers.

Another strong competitor, Virgin Media, is also making a claim in this area, and a quick and easy purchase by Sky looks the best way for the company to make its mark.

If the firm needs any more encouragement, the latest predictions about the boom in mobile devices may give it a final push.

According to the UMTS Forum, demand for connectivity will outstrip overall growth in the wireless market as more companies wake up to the benefits of internet connected devices for business purposes.