Nokia Phones Find Hot Spots

Nokia and iPass are developing client software for Nokia dual-mode phones that will let users connect to public Wi-Fi hot spots worldwide, the companies announced this week.

Through partnerships with hot spot operators, iPass offers access to about 50,000 hotspots around the world through a single account, according to the Redwood Shores, California, company.

Client software for using the iPass service is already available for Microsoft Windows and Windows Mobile OSes, as well as for Apple Computer's Mac OS.

Coming Soon?

The companies initially will develop a client for a set of handsets with cellular and wireless LAN capability that are based on the Nokia Series 80 and Series 60 software platforms.

They expect to deliver software for the Nokia 9300i and 9500 by summer, which typically means June through August.

By the end of this year, they plan to make available clients for Nokia Eseries devices, a line of business phones announced last October.

In addition to hotspots in airports, hotels and other locations, iPass provides Internet connectivity via dial-up, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and wired broadband connections. The service includes security enforcement and centralized policy-based management.