inbabble.com

Earlier in the year I wrote about FON the WiFi company with a unique community approach to WiFi networks. FON members attach a WiFi router to their existing broadband connection which enables secure access for other FON members who may be about. The obvious objective is for every FON member (called Foneros!) to have just one connection, but via the community have WiFi access anywhere.

Of course the model is most effective as the scale grows. You need members, and you need access points. Well FON has today announced a deal with Time Warner Cable in the US who has 6.6 million high speed data customers! Although not specifically mentioned the key point is Time Warner Cable allowing shared use of the one broadband connection. Most broadband providers specifically (via contract terms and conditions) prohibit this.

Just like the revolution to flat rate mobile plans I cant help but think there will be a similar revolution to broadband sharing via WiFi. Ultimately this will be because consumers demand it.

FON includes investment backing from giants Google and Skype the masters of disruptive business models.