Broadband Advisor

Free WiFi internet provider myKP has partnered with Fring to provide free instant messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls through WiFi access points.

Fring is an application that is installed on a user's mobile phone to allow instant messaging and VoIP calls over WiFi, 3G or GPRS networks to other Fring-enabled handsets. Skype, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger (MSN) and SIP users can also be contacted for free using Fring over a myKP hotspot.

myKP is hoping to boost local businesses while creating an ad-supported WiFi network across major Australian cities. The ads are limited to a splash-screen login page, after which surfing is resumed as normal.

myKP CEO, Grahame Miles, said benefits of using Fring with myKP include cost savings, "and the convenience of being able to communicate for free with other Fring users as well as all PC-based IM buddies from all our hotspots."

Fring's call and text rates are generally cheaper than other 3G and GPRS networks that most mobiles rely on. If used over WiFi it is completely free and doesn't require a SIM card.

WiFi hotspots provided by myKP are located in the greater Sydney area, with the majority in Sydney's CBD.

Miles is optimistic about future expansion of myKP free hotspots, "throw away your SIM card, myKP free hotspots will soon be blanketing major Australian cities".