New HP PCs and tablets come with free global wifi access

Anyone who buys an HP laptop or tablet in the UK will be able to access iPass’ network of wifi hotspots free of charge, allowing for easily accessible and secure connectivity across the world.

The two companies have extended a partnership covering Asia to the rest of the world, offering new customers access to the iPass network for one, two or three years at no additional cost.

iPass does not own any hotspots itself and instead agrees partnerships with various providers to offer businesses a single log-in and billing service that promises to make it easier and cheaper to use wireless internet services around the world.

Last year, it integrated Devicescape’s 20 million curated access points into its network, bringing its total footprint to 50 million, or two thirds of the world’s public hotspots. The network includes locations such as hotels, airports and even planes, making it suitable for mobile working.

“We’ve heard from our customers that as they become increasingly mobile, they need affordable, seamless connectivity no matter where they are located across the globe,” explained Michael Park, general manager of mobility at HP.

“We are excited to continue our collaboration with iPass to bring its global wifi network to our customers, so they can keep doing amazing things and stay connected in more places.”

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona this week, HP showed off the Elite X3, a smartphone that doubles as a Windows 10 PC. However the company blamed poor PC sales on the launch of Microsoft’s operating system, arguing that customers were delaying purchases as a result.