Google free Wi-fi service trial

BY TOMS M 

21st September, 2005: Search engine giant Google is doing a trial run of its free wireless service as a part of expanding its services. The wi-fi service is currently being test run at a few location near its San Francisco Bay Area headquarters.

Encryption through a downloadable utility as well as connections to corporate networks through existing VPN channels are supported by the free wireless service.

The SecureAccess utility is available at the Google site. Google expects wi-fi service to have a big impact, thus fleshing Google out as an Internet Service provider. 

The rumours about Google offering its wi-fi service has been further intensified after Internet users discovered software on its Web site that allows access to a service called ``Google WiFi. The downloadable software creates a secure WiFi connection to select Google ``hotspots'' in the Bay Area.

When asked about Google's plans to launch its wi-fi service, a Google spokesman said the web pages relate to an experiment begun this summer to offer free, secure WiFi to some Silicon Valley establishments.

There have been rumours about Google's Wi-fi plans especially after the publication of a Business 2.0 magazine story in August that suggested that Google wants to build a massive broadband network.

The free Wi-fi software called "Secure Access" is actually intended to use on Google hotspots. The Windows-only software connects to Google's virtual private network (VPN) server and encrypts information that travels to and from a user's laptop computer.

Companies such as JiWire and HotSpotVPN have already been in the Wi-fi business before and the service is expected to make a boom with Google's entry.

BY TOMS M