Wireless hotspot operator Boingo has announced a deal with the Madrid-based wireless network Fon to enable Boingo users to roam on Fon’s Wi-Fi network. Boingo already combined access to Wi-Fi hotspots operated by over 150 operators, many of which provide wireless Internet access at businesses, restaurants, airports, and other locations. The Fon network, which is built out by "foneros" who share unused broadband access in exchange for being able to connect to the Internet via hotspots operated by other foneros, conversely tends to have hotspots where Boingo-affiliated operators can be stretched thin, like residential areas.
"Boingo users have counted on the Boingo Roaming System for great coverage at major business travel locations, and now have the same great coverage outside of those locations with the addition of the FON community locations," said Luis Serrano, Boingo’s VP of network strategy.
Fon currently claims to have more than 130,000 hotspots running in 140 countries, and recently announced a partnership with U.S. cable operator Time Warner.
Boingo currently offers a VoIP service called Boingo Mobile for $8 a month; the partnership with Fon may be particularly interesting to Boingo Mobile users, for whom Wi-Fi access from Fon-enabled locations may be particularly beneficial. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, although Fon has apparently confirmed that foneros who are paid when their access points are used will receive revenue from Boingo users.
