InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[nieves]

INTEL CORPORATION: UK to get Europe's largest Wi-Fi network Inspired



London, Mar 10, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Inspired Broadcast Networks, with support from Ericsson and Intel Corporation, today announced the creation of a nationwide wireless network that will enable high-speed Internet access in thousands of locations all over the UK. The new network will be the largest of its type in Europe. This announcement coincides with the upcoming launch of Intel(R) Centrino (TM) mobile technology for notebook PCs, which features built-in wireless communications capability.

Inspired Broadcast Networks has already begun building this network, to be called The Cloud. Inspired is leveraging its national network of broadband connected games terminals and its exclusive partnership with Leisure Link, which manages 90,000 machines in 30,000 locations across the UK. The Cloud will launch free trial services from 250 locations by the end April 2003.

Commercial service will be available from 1,000 locations by June 30 2003 and by the end of 2003 The Cloud will offer Wi-Fi services from 3,000 sites. By comparison, there are currently less than 200 public access Wi-Fi sites throughout the UK, and the largest network in Europe is approximately 500 sites.

The Cloud is open to any branded service provider to offer Wi-Fi services to their customers under their own brand. By removing the upfront capital costs and the logistical hurdles, The Cloud enables cellular carriers and systems integrators to immediately offer their customers nationwide broadband wireless data services at very little risk.

BT Openzone will be the first service provider on The Cloud and will be offering commercial services starting in July 2003. The addition of The Cloud to its existing sites and roaming agreements makes BT Openzone the commercial operator with access to the most hotspots in Europe. Visitors to The Cloud's locations will also be able to purchase access to the network from the Leisure Link Itbox entertainment terminals in each site, making it simple for casual Wi-Fi users to get online.

"As the first network operator to offer truly nationwide coverage, The Cloud is making Wi-Fi a reality throughout the UK. This network will finally make Wi-Fi access a viable alternative for roaming corporate customers" said George Polk, Managing Director, The Cloud. "By opening the network to any service provider who wishes to offer a branded service, we also make it possible for the cellular companies to complement their 3G strategies and for systems integrators and others to bundle mobility into their software solutions".

The Cloud will primarily be available in high traffic premium pub locations. Offering Wi-Fi services will allow the pubs to broaden the services they offer customers. John Appleton, from Six Continents Retail, which has over 2000 pubs throughout the UK explains, "Pubs are already the business lunch venue of choice in many parts of the country and The Cloud will allow us, as an early adopter, to offer services that may well attract additional customers and keep customers in our venues longer."

"We believe that Wi-Fi use is likely to be concentrated in the day, when the pubs offer an informal environment for people to meet," noted Russell Hoyle, CEO, Leisure Link. "As the pub fills up in the evening Wi-Fi can also be used to link people up to gaming and entertainment services."

"In preparation for the launch of Intel (R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology, Intel is working with Inspired Broadcast Networks to establish hotspots that will enable broadband wireless access throughout the UK," said Stacy Smith, Vice President and General Manager, Intel EMEA. "Through this exciting initiative, we are striving to change the way people access the Internet by making fast, wireless internet connectivity possible on high-streets, in major towns throughout the country."

Inspired, Intel, Ericsson, BT Openzone, Leisure Link and the leading pub groups are working together, through nationwide marketing, advertising and promotions, to drive awareness of Wi-Fi hotspots in participating pubs where notebook PC users can connect to the Internet and corporate networks wirelessly and at high-speed. In addition, The Cloud's Wi-Fi solution will also enable the use of other wireless devices such as PDAs, and tablet PCs.

Ericsson is the Wi-Fi power behind the Cloud and utilizes an open technology to capitalize on DSL investments. The combination of Wi-Fi and DSL provides massive coverage for minor investment and infrastructure changes.

"The opportunity that this network offers the world, matches Ericsson's corporate strategy within Mobile & Broadband Internet communications. We are proud to lead the way in this area and look forward to continued activities with Inspired, BT and Intel," says Ove Anebygd, Vice President Ericsson.

"The combination of Leisure Link's partnerships with Six Continents, Scottish and Newcastle, and many other retailers, combined with Intel and Ericsson's support, ensures that The Cloud will become the premier Wi-Fi network in the UK," said Norman Crowley, Co-CEO, Inspired Broadcast Networks. "We see this as a platform to provide additional revenues for our retail partners, as a way to expand into new venues, and a vehicle for deploying new entertainment services."

Notes to editors:

About The Cloud

For more visit http://www.inspiredtg.com/product_cloud_overview.html

About Inspired Broadcast Networks

Inspired Broadcast Networks (Inspired) was established in August 2002 to build and lead the market for pay to play entertainment and broadband services in public spaces. Inspired delivers entertainment content and broadband services, to consumers, on a pay to use basis, in public locations and on the move. Our users include consumers and business users, on their mobile phones, remotely connected, and on our terminals in Pubs, Clubs, Licensed Betting Offices, Bingo Halls, Motorway Stations, Universities and Casinos.

Inspired is the exclusive provider of networked and wireless services to Leisure Link. Leisure Link is the largest manager of coin operated entertainment and gaming machines in the UK with 90,000 machines in 30,000 public space venues.

Inspired Broadcast Network's goal is to give people collaborative entertainment and broadband experiences in public space that pull people off their sofas, away from their TV's and game consoles and give them a reason to get out of the house.

For more, visit www.inspiredtg.com

About Leisure Link

Leisure Link is the largest manager of pay to play machines in the UK.

Managing over 90,000 pay to play machines across 30,000 leisure retail venues, the Company operates fruit machines, club and casino gaming machines, video and skill games, pool tables, juke boxes, payphones, ATM's and a unique digital entertainment product, Itbox.

Backed by Henderson Private Capital, the private equity arm of Henderson Global Investors, Leisure Link provides services to its customers from 28 locations throughout the UK and employs over 2,300 people.

For more visit www.leisure-link.com

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information is available at www.intel.com

About Ericsson

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

About BT Openzone

BT Openzone provides access to the internet and the ability to get secure and fast connection to corporate networks while working "on the pause" away from the office. Users with a laptop and a Wireless LAN access card and software can access data at speeds of up to 500 kbps (almost 10 times faster than a standard 56K modem), enabling them to send and receive large quantities of information at broadband speed. A full list of prices and live sites is available at www.bt.com/openzone.

About Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Technology Wi-Fi networks use a radio technology called IEEE 802.11b , often also referred to as Wireless LAN or WLan, to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks. Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps data rate so they can provide real-world performance similar to the basic wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.

Using Wi-Fi on The Cloud To make use of The Cloud, users must have a notebook PC computer or PDA equipped with a 802.11b wireless LAN card. The Cloud supports wireless LAN connections from all popular operating systems.

The user logs-on through a Internet web page using their Wi-Fi service provider subscription details, or with a pre-paid access voucher which can be purchased in The Cloud's venue. Users can connect to the Internet or to corporate intranets using their corporate virtual private network services if required.

CONTACT: George Polk, Managing Director, The Cloud e-mail: [e-mail] Norman Crowley, Co-CEO, Inspired Broadcast Networks Tel: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] Chris Simon, Marketing Director, Leisure Link e-mail: [e-mail] Emma Walker, Catalysis Communications Tel: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] Natasha Chilcott, External Communications Manager, Corporate Communications, Ericsson Ltd Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] Jon Carter, Press Officer, BT Retail Tel: [phone]

M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [e-mail].(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

-0