Google, Skype invest in Wi-Fi startup

Posted on Monday, February 06 2006 @ 22:01 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Google, Skype and other investors invested $21.7 million in Fon, a Spanish startup company. Fon's main goal is to create a global network of 1 million shared Wi-Fi hotspots by 2010.
The idea behind Fon, which was founded three months ago by telecom entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky, is to create a global network of users called "foneros" that will be able to connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi hot-spots provided by other foneros.

The company says it's following Skype's download-and-install model and plans to generate revenue from multitiered subscriptions. Members will fall into one of the following categories: Linus, Bill, or Alien.
More info at Information Week.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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