Ask Our Expert

Getting a smartphone Wi-Fi signal anywhere

Our mobile expert says…

Smartphones access the internet over wireless 3G signals (click here for an explanation of 3G), but when one isn’t available, your smartphone will either be unable to connect to the internet or do so at a frustratingly slow rate. But a solution is available…

The Cloud

The Cloud is a nationwide collection of outdoor Wi-Fi “hotspots” that let your smartphone access the internet at the same speed it would when connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network.

Cloud Wi-Fi hotspots are installed in many places, including inside shops restaurants and hotel chains. The Cloud even operates in McDonalds and Starbucks!

Several thousand Cloud Wi-Fi access points are already available in the UK. You can locate your nearest hotspot on The Cloud’s website.

Monthly subscriptions to The Cloud

Cloud Unlimited offers unlimited Wi-Fi access for £9.99 per month. It can be used across multiple wireless devices, including your smartphone and laptop, and connections are automatic – so you won’t need to sign into every hotspot location individually.

A cheaper £6.99 package is available if you only want to use one wireless device/smartphone on The Cloud and, if you only need Wi-Fi to download music onto your iPod, then a dedicated £3.99 iPod package is also available.

The Cloud PAYG

Say you’re travelling down to London for a few days and don’t want to take your laptop. You can still use your smartphone to check emails and surf the web with pay-as-you-go packages from The Cloud.

Four packages are available: £2.99 for 30 minutes, £4.50 for 60 minutes, £9.99 for 24 hours and £11.99 for seven days.

Registering for The Cloud

Click here to be redirected to The Cloud’s online registration website.

You can also download The Cloud’s iPhone application from Apple’s App Store, though which you can manage your account and locate the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots.