O2 broadband and BT openzone - not linux compatible?
 

Does anybody have an O2 dongle and can connect to a BT openzone access point?

Apparently (according to O2 FAQs) its not available on Mac quite yet, which means that there must be something going on between the O2 connection program for windows and the web browser - sending of cookies, authentication etc. I haven't been able to find anything related to the keyword "openzone" in any of the binary files (I suppose I was being very optimistic) but I'm sure it must be stored somewhere.

Connecting to thecloud is easy as they have a registration page where you type in the mobile number. You only need to do this the first time, I believe and after that it recognises your MAC. I cannot see why BT could not do this- maybe it does, but hides it away.

Anyway I would appreciate if anybody could post some urls they get/directed to when they connect to BT openzone with their O2 dongle plugged in.

It says that to register with your iphone on both networks, you need to type in your phone number but does not give any clues to the URL? Presumably it detects you are on an O2 IP address and directs you to the page.

Here are some details from their help pages:

How do I set up my iPhone to use The Cloud or BT Openzone's network of hotspots?

There is one time authentication process to follow when you first visit a Cloud or BT Openzone hotspot. Simply follow the steps below to complete this authentication.

1. Ensure you have a Wi-Fi connection. Check the upper left corner of the screen for the Wi-Fi symbol.

2. From the iPhone main menu page, select the 'Safari' icon which initiates a search for available Wi-Fi hotspots in your location.

3. If you are in coverage of a Cloud or BT Openzone hotspot, you will be offered 'Wi-Fi Zone - The Cloud' or Wi-Fi Zone - BT Openzone. Select the Wi-Fi provider you wish to connect through.

4. From Safari bookmarks, tap on a bookmark and depending on your selection this will take you to The Cloud or BT Openzone iPhone home page.

5. Enter your Mobile Phone Number and select 'go'

6. When Wi-Fi session is established, you will see either 'welcome to The Cloud' or 'Welome to BT Openzone' and the session counter displays the session time. You can now begin your Wi-Fi browsing session!

Once you have completed these steps, your future use of Wi-Fi via The Cloud or BT Openzone is seamless.

All you will need to do is ensure you are in a Cloud or BT Openzone hotspot and then start browsing, using You Tube or downloading a track from iTunes. It couldn't be easier.


When I try to log on to Wi-Fi, I get an error message on screen saying that I can't be authenticated?

Re-check and re-enter your mobile number.

If that doesn't work, text "WiFi" to 2121. You should get a text from us confirming that your Wi-iFi will be enabled within 30 minutes.



How do I register for BT Openzone?

Install Connection Manager from your USB modem then go to a BT Openzone hotspot. As long as Wi-Fi is turned on then Connection Manager will automatically connect you to the internet.

Customers using a Mac cannot currently connect to BT Openzone but we're working on a solution. Look out for updates on this website.