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What is BT FON?

Our Broadband Expert says...

You’re not the first person to have been confused by this, Becky. The good news is that, once you understand how it works, BT FON - and its close relative BT Openzone - can provide you with wireless broadband wherever in the world you choose to go.

Unfortunately, having a BT landline doesn’t make you eligible for free access like broadband customers. But if you want to connect, you still can, by either signing up for BT Total Broadband or BT Infinity - the telecom giant’s superfast broadband package - or by buying a special FON router.

For instant pay-as-you-go access to hotspots, you can also buy passes from as little as £3. These give you one hour, one day or a full week’s usage of BT FON and BT Openzone wireless.

Read more about how BT FON wireless works below.

What is BT FON?

BT FON is a joint initiative between telecoms giant BT and global communications firm FON, which operates the largest Wi-Fi network on the planet. The result is a community which aims to give all members access to wireless hotspots - wherever they are in the world.

This is made possible because a small portion of each BT FON member’s bandwidth is pumped out through a separate channel on their wireless router. Then any other members who are in range of the device can sign in and use the connection free of charge.

These wireless routers are known as BT FON hotspots and there are literally millions of them in towns and cities across the UK, Europe and throughout the world. With more people joining all the time, there are always new hotspots emerging.

How do I join the BT FON community?

If you decide to become a BT broadband customer, Becky, you will get free access to all BT FON and BT Openzone hotspots - from the moment BT activates your Home Hub router, which has the BT FON software pre-installed. Since March 2009, all new BT Total Broadband and BT Infinity customers automatically become members of the community, though they can opt out if they so wish.

If you already have broadband at home, you may want to compare deals at Broadbandchoices.co.uk and consider switching to BT for free unlimited access to wireless internet on the go. If you’d rather stick with your existing supplier, that’s fine - you can purchase a FON Fonera router for less than £40. These allow you to share a portion of your bandwidth and join the BT FON community.

Can I access the BT FON hotspots without joining?

If you’re not planning to become a member of BT FON, you can still use the wireless hotspots as and when you need to by purchasing a voucher online. When you’re out and about and want to connect, simply scan for Wi-Fi networks. If you’re in range of a hotspot and attempt to connect, you’ll be directed to a BT FON products page, where you can buy passes from as little as £3.

How much does it cost?

BT Total Broadband and BT Infinity customers can join the BT FON community for free and enjoy internet access on laptops and mobile devices from its three million hotspots when they’re away from home.

Interestingly, if you decide to buy the Fonera router and share a portion of your existing home broadband connection, you can actually earn some money back. Every time someone pays to access the BT FON hotspot you create with your router, a share of the revenue can be deposited into your online PayPal account.

Although you will still be paying for your broadband connection, you get the access to hotspots for free, as a sort of thank you for sharing a slice of your bandwidth with others. You might even be able to earn the cost of the router back if your hotspot proves popular with web users in your area.

If you choose not to join the BT FON community, you can buy a voucher to access a hotspot by simply scanning for Wi-Fi networks and selecting BT FON or BT Openzone from the list of options - if none show up, you are probably in an area without any. When you try to connect you will be directed to a products page.

Prices start at £3 and vary depending on how long you want access for. This method is only really suitable for a one-off use, as the cost will quickly overtake that of a Fonera router once you’ve purchased vouchers a few times.

What’s the difference between BT FON and BT Openzone?

In answering your question, Becky, I realise I’ve used the phrase BT Openzone a few times without properly explaining it. BT Openzone is essentially a premium wireless service, with hotspots strategically located at sites such as airports, hotels, coffee shops and train stations across the UK. You can search for local hotspots at the BT Openzone website.

BT Total Broadband and BT Infinity customers who are BT FON community members can access BT Openzone hotspots for free, in exactly the same way as with BT FON Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, members of BT FON who don’t have BT broadband don’t get the same privilege. It’s also worth remembering that BT FON vouchers bought by non-members are only valid at BT FON hotspots and can’t be used on the BT Openzone network.

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