French ISP Free has launched a beta version of FreeWifi, a new community Wi-Fi network service using its installed base of 3 million Freebox ADSL modems. The service allows all the ISP's unbundled ADSL subscribers to benefit from internet access when they are away from home by using the Wi-Fi connections of other Free subscribers across France. The connection is maintained separate from Free subscribers' private Wi-Fi network. According to the company, FreeWifi is fully secure, with Free customers connecting to the shared network via their own IP address, rather than the Freebox used for personal access. Access to FreeWifi is secured through authentication at the http://wifi.free.fr web interface.
