The Cloud becomes Sky: BSkyB buys wi-fi network

Deal gives satellite broadcaster 5,000 public wi-fi hotspots...

BSkyB has announced its acquisition of public wi-fi network The Cloud, giving the broadcaster ownership of more than 5,000 public wi-fi hotspots.

BSkyB's purchase of The Cloud for less than £50m bolsters the planned launch of Sky Anywhere - a service that will combine access to the existing Sky Player and Sky Mobile TV services to allow customers greater access to Sky's programmes, according to a statement released by the company.

BSkyB has announced its acquisition of public wi-fi network The Cloud
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Sky Mobile TV has benefited from the growth of tablet device ownership, driven by the success of the iPad, which has allowed the mobile service to be more widely accessed. BSkyB pointed to the further predicted growth in mobile services as the motivation behind the purchase of The Cloud and future launch of Sky Anywhere.

The statement from BSkyB added: "The initiative will complement our existing broadband services by offering customers a comprehensive option for wi-fi connectivity while they are on the move." The Sky Anywhere service will be launched later this year.

BSkyB's confirmation of its acquisition of The Cloud comes just a day after O2 announced the launch of O2 Wifi, a free network of wireless internet hotspots.

BSkyB stated that the transaction to buy The Cloud will not be completed until it has received regulatory clearance in Jersey.