BT has signed international roaming deals with wireless operators in Japan, France and Switzerland taking the number of Wi-Fi hotspots its punters can use to more than 30,000 around the world.

Adding to existing agreements with T-Mobile, The Cloud and Broadreach Networks in the UK, BT has now struck a partnerships with NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) in Japan, Orange France and Swisscom Mobile (Switzerland).

Said BT Wireless Broadband boss, Chris Clark: "It is critical, for the future of Wi-Fi, that major operators join forces to promote and drive awareness of the benefits of using hotspots.

"It is another step towards public Wi-Fi access being similar to the cashpoint system whereby everyone can access Wi-Fi through everyone else's secure networks at no extra cost."

The deal was brokered by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), which works to promote Wi-Fi, increases links between operators and foster a global alliance of wireless providers. ®

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