BT, FON team up for free UK Wi-Fi

British Telecom and wireless network provider FON today revealed the BT FON Community, a new effort to spread Wi-Fi connections in the UK. In return for a partial financial stake, BT has agreed to help develop FON's wireless community; subscribers to BT's DSL Internet service can automatically choose to enlist with FON for free and can use a La Fonera router (pictured) to split their wireless network into public and private areas with an agreement to share some of their connection with other FON members or paying customers. Those who volunteer can access any other FON wireless hotspot for free -- including non-UK access points, the companies add.

Receiving the free access requires a BT Total Broadband service plan, which also opens up access to BT's company-run access points. Subscribers to other Internet providers in Britain can still buy a La Fonera router for about €34 (24 pounds) and will still be able to connect for free to BT subscribers' public WiFi access as well as any other FON access point.