Whisher Wi-Fi network tried to offer Skype Access

Skype announced Skype Access for the Mac last week. It is a new feature that lets you know when you can buy Wi-Fi time, connects you, and pays by the minute with your Skype credits.

Boingo is Skype's first Wi-Fi partner. However it seems other aggregators would like to be available through Skype Access.

The Whisher Wi-Fi network, for example, talked with Skype about being an access provider. A Skype product manager said Skype will likely add more access providers in the future to improve coverage and provide customer choice. So Whisher may still be in the game.

The art on the left is a mockup of what Skype Access might look like with multiple suppliers. (credit: Whisher) You can see multiple hotspots, different rates, including free ones, if a password is required, and whether you can pay with your Skype account.

One technical note: Skype Access may use Wireless Internet Service Provider Roaming (WISPr) or a protocol like it to discover active hotspot metadata. 

See also:

• Skype Journal: Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta Launches by Jim Courtney
• Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac OS X provides screen sharing, Wi-Fi access, chat features and Twitter-like mood messages by Dan York
• FON - Your Community Wi-Fi Provider by Stuart Henshall

Technorati tags: skype, access, WISPr, Wi-Fi, wifi