Barnes & Noble starts rolling out wi-fi Internet access
Bookseller Barnes & Noble Inc. is installing wireless Internet access in stores across the U.S., joining Borders Books & Music, Starbucks and other retailers making wi-fi, for wireless fidelity, service available to customers. Wi-fi access will be provided by Cometa Networks Inc.
Cometa makes its Cometa Hotspot services available to a number of wireless Internet access providers, giving customers their choice of carriers. Customers with computers equipped with wireless access devices and browsers will be able to log onto the Internet from inside Barnes & Noble stores.
"With access to Cometa`s convenient broadband wireless technology, Barnes & Noble customers will enjoy not only the benefits of the highest quality of service, but a choice of leading wi-fi service providers with a variety of pricing plans to fit their needs," said Steve Riggio, CEO of Barnes & Noble Inc.
The companies expect wi-fi deployment to be completed by September.
Cometa says the Barnes & Noble deployment marks the initiation of its national rollout plans. It sells its Cometa Hotspot network wholesale to telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, cable operators and wireless carriers. It also provides wi-fi to McDonald`s Restaurants, Tully`s Coffee Shops, shopping centers, college campuses, golf courses and other locations. The company was formed by AT&T, Intel and IBM and investment companies Apax Partners and 3i.
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