Cell Phone Guru

Ipass, Inc. has announced that the company is offering its IpassConnect service to business travelers and individual consumers. The IpassConnect service is a host of mobility services that includes access to Wi-Fi hotspots, wired hotel broadband, 3G connectivity and worldwide dial-up connection.

These services were previously available only to companies and corporate entities. It is now being offered to individual users via a monthly subscription.

IpassConnect affords frequent business travelers a one-stop connectivity suite which now eliminates the need for them to pay for different kinds of subscription plans for different connectivity options. At affordable rates, businessmen and consumers sign up for one account only that will allow them to access Ipass’ expansive network.

This network includes over 70,000 retail areas, more than 20,000 hotels and almost a thousand hotspots in more than 500 airports in the US alone. Travelers can now easily get a connection in locations such as McDonald’s restaurants, Starbucks and the Hyatt and Hilton hotels, among others. Its 3G network coverage extends to over 230 million people nationwide.

For those traveling overseas, Ipass has a network of 80,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Europe and Asia. As an alternative, IpassConnect customers can use the dial-up network which allows them use a local modem connection in more than 160 countries. IpassConnect also offers its users additional assistance such as access to hotspot locator tools, maps of 3G coverage as well as helpful tips and guides about the mobile lifestyle.

Another company that also offers unified mobile access, Boingo Wireless, currently offers its consumers access to 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. However, Boingo Wireless doesn’t offer 3G connectivity like IpassConnect does. Users who sign up for IpassConnect’s 3G service will be able to access Sprint’s EVDO network without having to sign up or paying any additional fees at Sprint offices.

IpassConnect is now available for laptops using the Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Vista operating systems. Subscription rates start at $29.95 a month. To sign up, users can visit the IpassConnect website to register and install the IpassConnect software. A 3G card – which users can put into and play in their laptops - will be sent to users who opt for both Wi-Fi and 3G services. Plans of Ipass, Inc. include the release of a version for handheld devices within the year. The company is also working on the possibility of adding Wimax wireless services.