SBC Teams with UPS to Launch Wi-Fi Service

SBC Communications plans to install its forthcoming "FreedomLink" Wi-Fi service in thousands of UPS store locations across the U.S.. The SBC Wi-Fi service will also be offered in domestic Mail Boxes Etc. stores, which are part of the UPS retail network. The deal is expected to bring the FreedomLink service to more than 1,500 The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations by year-end, with installations continuing through 2005. Currently, there are approximately 3,300 The UPS Store locations, and the total U.S. network is projected to reach 5,000 by 2007. Pilot programs are also under way in Europe to assess the expansion of Wi-Fi hot spots at more than 1,100 Mail Boxes Etc. centers that are located outside the U.S.



SBC said it now plans to deploy more than 20,000 FreedomLink hot spots in 6,000 venues over the next three years and to create an integrated Wi-Fi and 3G wireless service.



SBC has also signed a Wi-Fi roaming agreement with Wayport, giving its customers access to roughly 800 more locations nationwide. Wayport is also assisting SBC companies with the deployment of FreedomLink service in The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations.www.sbc.com/freedomlink