Boingo launches worldwide WiFi service -- just for mobile phones

3GSM is cranking along and so are the carrier and manufacturer announcements. Among one of the brightest ones today has been the announcement that Boingo Wireless -- the world's leading wholesale network aggregator (fancy term for WiFi ISP) -- will soon unveil the "Boingo Mobile" service to provide what appears to be the first global WiFi Internet service. Sounds rather solid -- but it gets even better because Boingo Mobile is specifically designed for WiFi phones and devices as opposed to dedicated computers and computing devices (not that there's anything wrong with the 802.11n lappy). So, you have a feast for that newer UMA handset and have looked for a solution that goes beyond that slower-than-I'll-get-out HSDPA access? If you're near on of the thousands of Boingo WiFi hotspots around the world, you can tap into the Boingo Mobile network at the flat rate of USD $7.95 per month by visting mobile.boingo.com/download to get Boingo's free software and to check for mobile handset / device compatibility (hint -- WM5 is all for now). It's great to see a global WiFi operator differentiate -- and treat -- two different uses of WiFi at separate and appropriate price levels, since, ya know, not many are BitTorrenting from their handsets these days.

[hesh @ Feb 12th 2007 5:49PM]

I just looked up Charlotte, NC and most of the locations are UPS Stores. Wha? I expected the hotels and what not, but The UPS Store?

[Rick @ Feb 12th 2007 9:29PM]

I recently purchased the Belkin Skype phone and made calls from a Barnes & Noble to China - worked great. I'm also using it in London now and, thus far, have had no issues. I think my days of huge roaming bills are over.

[Dan @ Dec 30th 2007 9:37PM]

What is the difference between the regular Boingo and Boingo mobile services? Can a regular 80211 b or g or n be used with the mobil account?

[Don @ May 5th 2008 11:20AM]

I called Boingo and asked them this very same question. Where I am moving they have both for computers and phones. They told me that there are 2 different systems and if you want both you have to pay the phone and computer signals. That totals about $30.00 for both and still seems like a deal to me... Good luck