Access points (so-called hotspots) are covered by NeoWLAN signal; users with portable or palm computers and accurately installed WLAN card or card mobile phone are able to access internet and e-mail quickly and easily within the signal’s reach. Internet browser automatically locates Slovene wireless public network NeoWLAN at start-up and the entry page is displayed on your computer screen. Identification system enables easy access and authentication:

• Mobitel GSM/UMTS users receive single time user password via SMS upon entering their GSM number. The password is used to enable login to NeoWLAN network.
• Other users choose NeoWLAN prepaid card option to login to NeoWLAN network.

VISION

NeoWLAN service development guidelines in data transfer/services aim toward enabling as many users as possible fast and quality access to services, which require wide-zone access, regardless of the user’s location. At the moment, there are certain spots where this is made possible by various technologies, all of them requiring a considerable amount of technical knowledge and, in most cases, a lot of expensive equipment. By introducing UMTS and WLAN technologies Mobitel wishes to offer users a unified way of accessing information and a one-device service, regardless of the user’s current location.

Up to date, Mobitel made over 250 contracts with foreign carriers in regard to GSM service, enabling roaming for Mobitel users abroad and for foreign users in its own network. Because of the introduction of WLAN technology, as well as the complementary UMTS technology, activities to expand the existing contracts are already in motion. New contracts will make roaming possible for WLAN service users aswell, much in the same way it exists in GSM system. Apart from that, Mobitel is an active member of European International Standards Institute ETSI 3GPP and GSM Association. Both organizations among other things define the integration of WLAN, GPRS and UMTS services. A user with an appropriate mobile terminal will thus have no problems passing between different regions, and switching between different carriers. Apart from fulfilling technical requirements this means ensured unified authentification for users of all services in all systems. Accordingly, major manufacturers of this type of equipment are already in the process of developing solutions, which will enable the use of all three technologies with one device.