Light Reading
Date: September 18, 2013
Cricket has become the latest US mobile operator to deploy Devicescape software that helps end users hook up to a vast nationwide WiFi network.
Cricket Communications Inc. — the brand name for Leap Wireless International Inc. (Nasdaq: LEAP) — revealed Tuesday that its subscribers will have access to the Devicescape Curated Virtual Network (CVN) of more than 16 million hotspots by using the connection software that enables automatic WiFi connectivity.
Devicescape taps individual stores, restaurants, and bars for its “amenity” WiFi network. The software looks for best connection between WiFi and cellular. Devicescape, meanwhile, has been developing and testing software that allows the store owners to connect with — and deliver offers to — cellular users on the WiFi network.
Cricket says the Devicescape data connection optimizer software works in the background to enable a WiFi or cellular connection and improve indoor coverage. The operator also suggests that functionality can help its users save money by cutting down on the volume of mobile data they use and helping them to stay within their allowance.
Separately, Devicescape has struck a similar WiFi connectivity and offload deal with the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) of smaller regional carriers in the US.
Why this matters
Devicescape is mopping up a lot of deals with smaller operators in the US. This is because the WiFi CVN gives operators an easy and cheap way to add coverage and capacity without straining their precious spectrum resources.
View the original article here: http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=705710&_mc=SM_LR_Edit