The start of 2005 saw us turn our focus on the users. The aim is to have
the maximum number of user by March 2006 and reduce previous subscription fees in 2006 by some 70%.
Working in conjunction with the marina operators, we now offer the basic service, which is ten times faster than dial-up, entirely FREE. This enables everybody to try the convenience of wireless broadband on board their boats.”
“The take up has been exceptional, we subscribe up to 100 users every day” continued Dominic, “and we are delighted to be running close to the level of usage of the likes of BT Openzone at their 1600+ sites. We know that once new users try the service, the benefits are obvious and they are hooked.”
The average length of time a Square Mile user is online is 42 minutes and up to 100 new subscribers are joining Square Mile every day.
If users need a faster connection, they can take out a 1Mb subscription for £4.99 per month (which is 20 times faster than dial-up) or they can add thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots all over the UK to their marina subscription for a total of £9.99 per month. This is offered in conjunction with BOZII, and means access to thousands of hotspots around the world, including the Square Mile marinas, with one bill and one subscription. These hotspots include those from BT Openzone, Ready toSurf, Surf and Sip, Iyzone, Canova Wireless and Net-Near-U, which are located in marinas, airports, train stations, service stations, hotels, coffee shops, football stadiums and conference centres.
The service is being provided by Square Mile International in 45 marinas across the UK. Existing users include boat owners who use the service to check weather reports, tidal information and race details, as well as the normal uses of the Internet. Businesses based around the marinas have also benefited from the service.
Kaynak : 