Telecompaper

Russian and CIS telecommunications service provider Comstar-UTS has signed a strategic agreement with Wi-Fi provider Fon, to develop a global Wi-Fi network in Russia. The jointly developed network will leverage Comstar's subscriber base in Moscow, enabling the local customers to join the worldwide Fon network. Also as part of the project, Comstar plans to establish 30,000 Wi-Fi access points in Moscow by 2009. Broadband subscribers in Moscow will be able to rent La Fonera routers from Comstar, connect them to their ADSL or any other broadband internet access channel and join the Fon network. The subscriber's access point will become public and can be used for internet access by both Fon customers and others. External clients to Comstar – Fon network will be able to access the service via pre-paid cards, SMS authorization and other means of receiving login and password details. The pre-paid cards will be available via Comstar and Fon sales channels.