Google and Skype Invest in FON - A Global Wi-Fi Hotspot Community

Feb 6 2006, 3:14am EST | by Luigi Lugmayr

FON is a new global community that shares their Wi-Fi connections everywhere in the world.

FON was launched 90 days ago by Argentine entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky and has already over 3,000 registered so called Foneros. Now, FON got 18 million Euros from Google, Skype, Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures.
FON's goal is to have 1 million hotspots around the world in 4 years.
To participate in the FON Wi-Fi network you need a Wi-Fi router that is compatible with the FON Hotspot software. You guessed right, FON works currently only on the most open consumer router, the Linksys WRT54G/GS/GL versions 1x to 4x. FON is using the new investment to support other routers and improve the software.

With the backing of Skype and Google this can actually be a successful attempt to generate a global Wi-Fi hotspot network. The nice part is that it is run by its own members. It will be interesting how organizations and companies will join or support FON. Airports and public places would need to join FON to really create seamless coverage.

More details on the Martin Varsavsky blog and on the FON site. Via Gizmodo.

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.