UK “Wi-Fi on Steroids”
By Michael Rogers -- Library Journal, 5/1/2006
The mating of the telecom company Pipex Communications with computer goliath Intel will give users across the UK access in 2008 to what is being described as “Wi-Fi on steroids,” The Independent reported in early April. Officially called WiMax, the advanced wireless technology offers much more powerful signals, which can be transmitted as far as 3.1 miles as opposed to Wi-Fi's 54 yards. Libraries are not specifically mentioned as hot spots, but with three-mile transmission capabilities, strategically placed transmitters will seemingly make entire cities hot spots. The new service initially will be available in London and Manchester, with other cities added over time.
