If a new logo achieves the recognition its backers are aiming
for, it will become easier for users of laptop and other devices
equipped with wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, cards to identify "hot
spots" – the locations where access to Wireless Local Area Networks
(LANs) is available to the public for a fee.
The global brand is being promoted by the Wi-Fi Alliance, the organisation that certifies the interoperability of wireless products sold in the US, and also indicates a minimum quality standard which should help to boost Wi-Fi users' confidence.
To participate in the "Wi-Fi Zone" programme, providers of hot spots will have to offer a minimum connection speed of 128kbps, use only Wi-Fi certified equipment, and guarantee that customers will be connected to the web for 95% of the time they are using the network.
Additionally, they are required to offer users the option to connect through a Virtual Private Network, which is used for the secure transmission of data across wireless networks.
Once certified, providers will be granted the right to display the Wi-Fi Zone logo which can be seen at www.wi-fizone.org, a site on which providers will be listed.
According to the web site, the programme is free to qualified providers who submit their applications by 31st March 2003. If successful, these applicants will be members of the scheme at no cost until March 2004. For providers signing up after March 2003, licenses will be available for $100 each.
