Gauteng's most popular regional radio station YFM 99.2, in partnership with Absol Internet Business Solutions, has deployed a wireless (WiFi) hotspot in Joburg's trendy Zone in Rosebank. Visitors to the YFM studio and the Zone shopping centre can now enjoy broadband internet access via their PDAs or mobile computers utilising the Y-Fi service.

"Anyone with a compatible 802.11b wireless notebook simply has to turn on their PC, open a web browser and they will automatically be prompted to connect to the WiFi hotspot and greeted with a login page. From this point, a secure credit card transaction will enable the customer to purchase pre-paid surfing time and access is provided immediately." says Mac Anamourlis, Managing Director of Absol Internet Business Solutions.

Providing a convenient way to connect to the internet for the Zone's many international tourists and visiting professionals is a challenge YFM set out for themselves as this new facility compliments the already active internet cafe situated directly outside the radio station's studio. Y-Fi customers who are not in possession of a credit card can also purchase pre-paid time via the Y-Shoppe who administrate the traditional internet cafe.

Visitors to the Zone can access the recently revamped YWorld portal via the hotspot, free of charge, where they can join the on-line community of over 45,000 registered users and interact with their favourite DJs.

The hotspot was deployed with ease of use and compatibility in mind. Industry standard technologies were utilised ensuring that the vast majority of wireless equipment could connect quickly and easily. Returning customers who have not utilised all of their pre-paid minutes will be able to login and resume the access they paid for over an extended period of time.