Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — March 31, 2008 — iPass, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a long-time leader in providing mobility services to the world’s largest companies, today announced the availability of its iPassConnect mobility service for individuals (www.ipassconnect.com). The iPassConnect service is unique in unifying Wi-Fi hotspots and 3G data in the US, and also includes wired hotel broadband and global dial-up. Now, businesspeople and consumers can buy a subscription-based service directly from iPass to stay connected and productive virtually anywhere in the world.

iPass enterprise connectivity services, built to meet the needs of the world’s most demanding companies and based on the world’s largest multi-technology mobility network, are already used regularly by more than one million businesspeople around the globe. The iPassConnect mobility service extends this business-class connectivity to individuals, giving subscribers unlimited access to the world’s largest wireless broadband network. With one click, users can access Wi-Fi hotspots in over 95,000 business-friendly locations worldwide as well as 3G mobile broadband service across the U.S.—all for one fixed monthly fee.

"As a director for an advertising agency, I’m often on the road visiting clients and going to photo shoots," said Kelly Olsen at Rare Method, a leading interactive marketing firm. "Not only is it frustrating figuring out where to get connected and how to sign up for service each time, but I worry about the costs of Wi-Fi subscriptions as well as racking up high bills while on business trips. With the iPassConnect service, I have don’t have to worry. They have more Wi-Fi locations than I could ever use and 3G for everywhere else. I just login and still get work done without worrying about the bill."

Signing up is easy. Simply visit www.ipassconnect.com to register, choose a username and password, and install the iPassConnect software to immediately begin using the service. Users that order a Wi-Fi/3G combo plan will be sent a pre-configured 3G card that will plug-and-play in their laptop.

Mobile Workers Need a Better Way
Since most Wi-Fi hotspot services have limited coverage, mobile professionals often must cobble together access through a complicated and expensive combination of high hourly or day rates and individual subscriptions for their favorite cafés, local airport, and preferred hotel chains. With broadband speeds generally only available outdoors and in major cities, 3G alone is not a complete solution either.

iPass combines Wi-Fi and 3G into one simple service so that busy road warriors cam choose the option that best suits their situation. Users can access nearly 1,000 hotspots in more than 500 airports, including 83 of the world’s 100 busiest; more than 20,000 hotels such as Hyatt, Hilton and Marriot; and more than 70,000 retail locations including Starbucks coffeehouses and McDonald’s restaurants. iPass’ nationwide 3G network provides data rates of up to 1.4 Mbps with coverage reaching over 230 million people in the U.S. As a last resort, subscribers can take advantage of iPass’ global dial-up network to make local modem calls in over 160 countries.

A Complete Solution for the Mobile Lifestyle
More than just access, the iPassConnect service addresses the end-to-end mobile experience. The iPassConnect mobile user portal (http://connect.ipass.com) provides valuable tools and information including hotspot locators for laptops (http://www.ipass.com/hotspot) and handhelds (http://www.ipass.com/mobilehotspot), (see iPass’ announcement of its Handheld Hotspot Finder today), 3G coverage maps, articles on the mobile lifestyle, and helpful tips on how to make the most of the mobile working experience.

"While many companies give their employees a complete enterprise mobility service such as iPass Mobile Office, others leave users to fend for themselves," said Joel Wachtler, VP of marketing and strategy at iPass. "The iPassConnect mobility service gives these businesspeople the best of both worlds—a world-class network delivered in a simple and affordable package."

iPassConnect service is available immediately for laptops running Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 with price plans starting at $29.95/month. Handheld support for Windows Mobile is due to be released this spring followed by additional laptop and handheld platforms.