JiWire to Provide Free Wi-Fi for the iPhone, iPod

JiWire today announced that members of the JiWire Wi-Fi Advertising Network are offering iPhone and iPod touch users the option to connect to Wi-Fi networks for free in exchange for viewing a JiWire-supplied advertisement. The option will be available at select Wi-Fi hotspots located in airports, hotels, cafes, and other desirable locations around the world. Major airports include Atlanta-Hartsfield, JFK and LaGuardia in New York and Chicago's O'Hare. Members of the JiWire Wi-Fi Advertising Network collectively operate more than 100,000 hotspots.

The JiWire Wi-Fi Advertising Network enables cutting-edge advertisers to target an affluent, technology-savvy demographic by device (i.e., PC vs. iPhone vs. other Wi-Fi-enabled device), creating uniquely valuable marketing opportunities and enabling "Ads for Access" Wi-Fi business models. Charles Schwab and HBO will be among the first to deliver advertising to iPhone users under the arrangement announced today.

"By 2011, more than 500 million Wi-Fi-enabled mobile consumer devices will be in the market," said Daryl Schoolar, senior analyst, In-Stat. "JiWire's ad model is positioned to help drive more usage of these devices at public hotspots."


"The incredible success of the iPhone represents a tipping point in the mainstream use of handheld, Wi-Fi-connected devices," said Kevin McKenzie, chief executive officer, JiWire. "Our Wi-Fi advertising platform is ideal for both network operators seeking suitable business models and for marketers seeking to capitalize on the unique advertising opportunities we offer."