Andrew Diaz

FON is the largest WiFi community in the world. FON is a Community of people making WiFi universal and free. It promises to succeed where other Wi-Fi networks have failed.

Current Wi-Fi networks depend on hot spots that are strung up in light poles and coffee shops.  Slow Process  Expensive  Philadelphia was estimated to be spending $10 million to build and maintain its network over the next several years.  San Francisco said it would spend $15 million--including maintenance and upgrades--over the next decade.  And by 2010, more than $3 billion will spent on citywide wireless networks. Wi-Fi Networks

FON allows users to piggyback off of other "FONers" home broadband connections for free.  Designed for easy installation  Uses standard g technology.  Users simply plug the device into their existing broadband modem.  Software Installation La Fonera Router

FON customers are able to use other FON customers broadband more conveniently than current Wi-Fi networks. Non FONeros can use the service at a fee - $2 to $3/24 HRS FON customers can limit the bandwidth that will be shared with public Wi-Fi connection split in two ways: an encrypted channel for the Fonero and a public one for neighbors or passers-by.

Currently there are about 200,000 traditional wireless hot spots around the world and FON has already deployed 280,000 FON routers. The goal: one million hotspots by CUSTOMERS

 Last year, Skype, Google, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital invested over $21M in worldwide WiFi community Fon to build a global WiFi network.  BT – British phone carrier deal - Oct 4th  Time Warner Cable

Time Warner Cable to allow broadband subscribers to access any FON Wi-Fi hotspot in the world, giving them the ability share their wireless service and roam wirelessly onto other broadband networks for free.

“When FON first launched its service last year, Time Warner was one of many U.S. broadband providers that said the FON Wi-Fi service violated its terms of use by allowing people to share their broadband connections outside their homes.”

“Most big companies’ end-user license agreements prohibit subscribers from sharing their connection outside the home or business.” “Verizon Communications Inc., for example, can terminate contracts if it finds an ad-hoc hotspot.”

 Traffic loads created haven’t a been burden on service providers yet. As it grows, they may clamp down on it.  Customer base is still growing