Man, the BBC is kickin' on all cylinders today. The BBC is working with The Cloud to make its online services available for free across thousands of wi-fi hotspots in the UK. The Cloud operates 7,500 wi-fi hotspots where you'll now be able to access BBC programming, download television shows on the iPlayer, and watch them. So any wi-fi enabled device on The Cloud's network will be able to get streaming and downloadable content.
This is a lovely follow-up to the announcement that the BBC will also be working with Adobe to use Flash players for the offering of a cross-platform presence of its iPlayer and BBC content. Considering issues the BBC has had with ISPs, this deal with The Cloud for free access is good for both parties.
The mobile industry is beginning to use a similar tactic for the provision of free access for certain content. For example, Webwag is now being offered at no charge for SFR customers. Can we get some free love in the US?