Europe UK : BT announced that it has acquired marina Wi-Fi network operator, Square Mile Marina, to deliver high speed wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access to 39 coastal and inland marinas in the UK and Jersey. Square Mile Marina, established in 2007, was previously owned by the successful Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Dominic Killinger.

BT will switch the existing Wi-Fi service to its BT Openzone service by the start of the sailing season in March. The BT Openzone service will provide an estimated 3,000 permanent berth holders and visiting yachtsmen, using 10,000 marina berths, with easy to use Wi-Fi connectivity. As part of the agreement, Openzone has been installed at five new Tingdene marinas in the past month.

When the marinas are switched to the service, a wide range of BT Openzone voucher and subscription payment options will be made available to subscribers offering them greater flexibility and cost control. The ever popular yachting website MyMarina.co.uk will continue to be available from the BT Openzone marina landing page.

Chris Bruce, general manager, BT Openzone said: “BT has a strong affiliation with the sailing community through our support of Dame Ellen McArthur and the BT Global Challenge. As an extension of this commitment, BT is very excited about the opportunity to offer Wi-Fi services to the sailing community and we will be looking to expand this network in 2008.”