Common questions about BT Openzone
General questions about BT Openzone
- What is Wi-Fi and wireless broadband?
- What is BT Openzone?
- How secure is BT Openzone wireless broadband?
- Does BT Openzone have a virtual private network (VPN) for users?
- Why choose BT Openzone?
- Why choose BT Openzone (Wi-Fi) over GPRS and 3G?
- What is BT FON?
- Do I have to be a BT Total Broadband customer to join BT FON?
- What is BT Total Broadband?
Using BT Openzone wireless broadband
- What do I need to use BT Openzone?
- How do I log in and log out?
- I can't remember my password. What should I do?
- How can I change my password?
- I've closed the browser window that shows my connection. How can I get it back?
- What speed can I get with BT Openzone?
- How do I send and receive emails using BT Openzone?
- Is there a download limit?
- Do wireless local area networks (WLANs) present a threat to health?
- Can I use my laptop with BT Openzone to make voice calls?
- Where can I use BT Openzone?
- What is BT Openzone outdoor coverage?
- How do I find a BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot?
- How can I tell when I'm in a BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot?
- How do I connect to my company network?
Buying wireless internet access
- How do I pay?
- Where can I buy Wi-Fi vouchers?
- Where can I use the BT Openzone International Voucher?
- How do I change or upgrade my pricing plan?
- I want to start a BT Openzone hotspot. What should I do?
General questions about BT Openzone
What is Wi-Fi and wireless broadband?
Wi-Fi is 'wireless fidelity' or 'wireless network'. It's a great way to connect your wireless device to the internet without using wires (e.g. in wireless-enabled locations, you don't need a phone line to surf the internet).
'Wireless broadband' gives you Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet at speeds up to 8Mb - faster than standard dial-up or 3G access.
What is BT Openzone?
BT Openzone is a wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) service that you can access in public places (hotspots) such as airports, hotels, coffee shops, motorway service stations and city centres. Get online at BT Openzone hotspots throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and at selected locations outside the UK.
How secure is BT Openzone wireless broadband?
To help make sure you receive a safe, reliable and robust service, BT Openzone encrypts your account details at log-in. We also advise you make sure you have up to date firewall and anti-virus software to guard against any attacks and we strongly recommend you consider using a virtual private network (VPN), which protects your data from being intercepted. You will find the option to disable cookies via your internet browser options. Note however that some web sites may not support this function.
Visit our security section to read more about the things you can do to be even safer online.
Does BT Openzone have a virtual private network (VPN) for users?
Yes. BT Openzone has free Cisco VPN security software especially for BT Openzone users wanting extra security when connected in a hotspot. The software improves the security of the link between your laptop and the hotspot. You may want to use our VPN when transmitting personal data.
Find out more about our free Cisco VPN security software
Why choose BT Openzone?
BT Openzone gives you broadband internet access1 with speeds up to 8Mb. That's faster than both GPRS and 3G. You can easily get online in convenient locations such as cafés, hotels, stations, airports and city centres. And you can choose from lots of big businesses also offering our BT Openzone service - including American Airlines and Etihad Airways lounges, Starbucks, RoadChef, Hilton Hotels, Thistle Hotels and Welcome Break.
Why choose BT Openzone (Wi-Fi) over GPRS and 3G?
With BT Openzone, you get more done in less time - and there are no download limits. A Fair Use Policy applies to customers with BT Openzone Together and BT Openzone Global accounts.
Wi-Fi is efficient and fast, especially if you need to transfer large data files, such as music or video download and data-heavy or image-rich documents. But please remember that your recipient's email account may limit the amount of data accepted. We suggest that you limit emails and attachments to 10MB.
What is BT FON?
BT FON is an initiative between BT and FON that aims to give all its members access to wireless broadband wherever they are in the world. This is possible because all BT Total Broadband customers who've opted in agree to securely share, with other members who're in range of their signal, a portion of their Wi-Fi bandwidth through a separate channel on their Hub.
Using your BT Openzone account, you can enjoy wireless internet access at hundreds of thousands of BT FON locations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Find out more at www.bt.com/btfon
Do I have to be a BT Total Broadband customer to join BT FON?
Yes. BT Total Broadband customers have the opportunity to join the BT FON community and get inclusive Wi-Fi minutes as part of their BT Total Broadband package. If you aren't a BT Total Broadband customer, you can still access the BT FON community by buying a BT Openzone voucher at www.btopenzone.com/buy
What is BT Total Broadband?
BT Total Broadband is the UK's most complete high-speed broadband internet service, with up to 8Mb download speeds and the wireless BT Home Hub.
If you've a BT Total Broadband package and you sign up with BT FON, you get inclusive internet access minutes every month to use at BT FON locations and in BT Openzone hotspots. You use your BT Total Broadband username and password to access the internet in BT FON locations.
Using BT Openzone wireless broadband
What do I need to use BT Openzone?
You need a wireless-enabled device.
If your device is a laptop, it needs to be running Windows XP, Mac OS 10.4.1 or Linux 2.2 or above. If your laptop isn't wireless-enabled, you need an IEEE 802.11g wireless card or adapter. You can buy one at www.shop.bt.com or your local computer store.
If your device is a personal digital assistant (PDA), it needs to be running Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 or above, or Palm OS 4.0 or above.
Other wireless-enabled devices include most mobile phones and games and entertainment devices such as the iPod Touch, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS.
If you're ready, you'll now need to buy Wi-Fi access
How do I log in and log out?
When you're in a BT Openzone hotspot or outdoor coverage area with your wireless-enabled device:
- insert a Wi-Fi card or switch on wireless capability
- select BT Openzone from the Wi-Fi signal icon in your system tray and connect
- open your web browser - a BT Openzone log-in page will appear. If it doesn't, type www.btopenzone.com into your browser's address bar.
- select BT Openzone (if not already selected) and log in by entering your username and password - a new web browser window will open confirming you're connected
- minimise, rather than close, the web browser window - now you're ready to browse the internet
- launch your virtual private network (VPN) now, if you're using one, and log in - once connected to your VPN, you'll have internet access
When you want to end your session on the internet:
- exit any VPN first
- maximise the web browser window that's showing you're connected to BT Openzone
- click on the log-out button to disconnect
Note: if you accidentally lose the web browser window confirming your connection, type https://www.btopenzone.com:8443/home into your address bar and the window will reappear.
Note: you must log out correctly, otherwise your account will stay open and you may have to pay charges for a further 15 minutes. Your account automatically shuts down due to inactivity after 15 minutes.
I can't remember my password. What should I do?
If you've a BT Openzone Subscription or per Minute account and we've got your UK mobile number in our records, we can text (SMS) you a free password reminder now.
If we can't text you your password because we haven't got your mobile number, email us or call us on Freephone 0800 022 33 22* (+44 132 556 0841 from outside the UK**) and we'll reset it for you. When you're online again, enter your mobile number into 'my profile'
If you've a BT Openzone Voucher, please look for the email you received when you ordered - this includes your password. Or email us or call us on Freephone 0800 022 33 22* (+44 132 556 0841 from outside the UK**) and we'll reset it for you.
How can I change my password?
You can change your password anytime in your profile
I've closed the browser window that shows my connection. How can I get it back?
If you accidentally lose the web browser window confirming your connection, type https://www.btopenzone.com:8443/home into your address bar and the window will reappear.
Tip: we suggest you bookmark this web page or add it to your favourites so you can easily find it again, should you need it.
What speed can I get with BT Openzone?
You should be able to get up to 8Mb download speed.
How do I send and receive emails using BT Openzone?
You should be able to send and receive emails as usual, using your internet service provider's (ISP) servers. However, some ISPs may sometimes block the sending of email. If so, you can use ours - just change your outgoing mail server setting to smtp.btopenzone.com. If you need help with your email settings, please see your email application (e.g. Outlook) help files.
Is there a download limit?
No. Wireless broadband is perfect for uploading or downloading large files at high speed. Usage is based on time rather than data transfer amount. But please remember that your recipient's email account may limit the amount of data accepted. We suggest that you limit emails and attachments to 10MB. A Fair Use Policy may apply depending on your package.
Do wireless local area networks (WLANs) present a threat to health?
International authorities have examined the large volume of research on radio frequencies, such as those emitted by WLANs. They have concluded that radio frequencies do not pose a health risk as long as radio frequency emissions fall below certain levels. The International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), a body of independent scientific experts that monitors and analyses all research into this area, has issued guidelines on what these safety levels should be. Their guidelines, which include a large safety margin as a precautionary measure, have been adopted by the UK government, the wireless LAN industry and BT, and are recognised as the standard for safety by the World Health Organization.
There is no credible evidence that the extremely low exposure levels from WLANs pose a threat to human health. The World Health Organization has issued a fact sheet regarding base stations and wireless networks, and its conclusions were: "Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF [radio frequency] signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects."
Can I use my laptop with BT Openzone to make voice calls?
Voice over IP (VoIP) products, such as BT Broadband Talk Softphone, can be used when you're at a BT Openzone hotspot, right after you've logged in. BT Openzone works with most good VoIP providers.
More about BT Broadband Talk Softphone
Where can I use BT Openzone?
In addition to thousands of BT Openzone hotspots throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you can access the internet using our network partners.
Find your nearest convenient hotspot
You can enjoy high-speed internet access through more than 65,000 hotspots worldwide with BT Openzone per Minute, a BT Openzone Subscription account or a BT Openzone International Voucher
Check your destination's BT Openzone partner network and charges
What is BT Openzone outdoor coverage?
BT Openzone provides extensive outdoor wireless broadband access in some UK city centres. The proximity of local buildings and features may sometimes block the signal, and other Wi-Fi services in the area may reduce effective range. As a result, the outdoor coverage areas we show on our maps are purely for illustration and do not guarantee the presence of BT Openzone service.
How do I find a BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot?
Find a Wi-Fi hotspot shows you a number of ways to find your nearest BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot, whether you're online, offline or on the move.
Find a hotspot using:
How can I tell when I'm in a BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot?
BT Openzone wireless coverage can be found wherever you see a BT Openzone sign. If you've a device with wireless network (WLAN) connectivity and a username and password, you'll be able to access BT Openzone once you've opened your web browser.
How do I connect to my company network?
Once logged in to BT Openzone in a Wi-Fi hotspot: minimise your web browser, launch your virtual private network (VPN) and log in.
When you've finished: quit your VPN first and then log out of BT Openzone before closing your browser.
Note: you must log out correctly, otherwise your account will stay open and you'll have to pay charges for a further 15 minutes. Your account automatically shuts down due to inactivity after 15 minutes.
Please note: we're happy to help you connect to BT Openzone. Sorry, but we can't offer support on VPN issues - you'll need to speak to your company's IT people about this.
Buying wireless internet access
How do I pay?
You pay for:
- BT Openzone Vouchers when you order them, using a credit or debit card
- BT Openzone per Minute in arrears, using a credit or debit card
- BT Openzone Subscriptions in arrears, using a credit or debit card, or American Express
Where can I buy Wi-Fi vouchers?
You can buy paper vouchers from selected BT Openzone hotspots, and you can buy BT Openzone eVouchers online with a credit or debit card.
Where can I use the BT Openzone International Voucher?
You can use it to access any of these partner networks:
| Country | Roaming partner |
|---|---|
| Argentina | VEX |
| Australia | Tomizone |
| Austria | iBAHN, Swisscom, T-Mobile Austria |
| Azerbaijan | Wayport EMEA |
| Belgium | iBAHN, Orange France, Swisscom, Telenet, TeliaSonera HomeRun, Wayport EMEA |
| Brazil | VEX |
| Canada | Boingo, iBAHN |
| Chile | VEX |
| Croatia | Swisscom |
| Czech Republic | T-Mobile Czech Republic, Wayport EMEA |
| Denmark | iBAHN, Copenhagen Airport only via CPH Wireless Internet, TeliaSonera HomeRun |
| Finland | eServiceBar, TeliaSonera HomeRun, Wayport EMEA |
| France | Hub, iBAHN, Meteor, Orange France, SFR, Swisscom, TeliaSonera HomeRun, Wayport EMEA |
| Germany | iBAHN, M3 Connect, Swisscom, T-Mobile Germany, Wayport EMEA |
| Hungary | iBAHN, Swisscom, Wayport EMEA |
| Iceland | Wayport EMEA |
| India | Tata Communications Wi-Fi, Tomizone |
| Italy | Swisscom, Wayport EMEA |
| Japan | NTT |
| Kazakhstan | Wayport EMEA |
| Latvia | Wayport EMEA |
| Lebanon | Wayport EMEA |
| Liechtenstein | Monzoon |
| Luxembourg | iBAHN, Swisscom, Telenet |
| Malaysia | Maxis, Starhub |
| Mali | Wayport EMEA |
| Malta | Wayport EMEA, Sky Malta Telecom |
| Netherlands | iBAHN, KPN Hotspots, Swisscom, T-Mobile Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Tomizone |
| Norway | Wayport EMEA |
| Paraguay | TeliaSonera HomeRun |
| Poland | iBAHN, Swisscom, Wayport EMEA |
| Portugal | iBAHN, Portugal Telecom, Swisscom, VEX |
| Puerto Rico | Boingo |
| Republic of Ireland | iBAHN, Swisscom, Wayport EMEA |
| Romania | Wayport EMEA |
| Russia | Beeline, iBAHN, Wayport EMEA |
| Senegal | Wayport EMEA |
| Slovakia | Wayport EMEA |
| South Africa | Internet Solutions, Wayport EMEA, Wireless G |
| Spain | iBAHN, Kubi Wireless, Portugal Telecom, Swisscom, Telefonica |
| Sweden | TeliaSonera HomeRun, Wayport EMEA |
| Switzerland | iBAHN, Monzoon, Swisscom, Swisscom Mobile, Wayport EMEA |
| Taiwan | Chunghwa |
| Thailand | TeliaSonera HomeRun |
| Turkey | Swisscom, Wayport EMEA |
| United Arab Emirates | Wayport EMEA |
| UK | iBAHN, Orange France, Swisscom |
| USA | Boingo, iBAHN, T-Mobile USA, TeliaSonera HomeRun |
Buy an international voucher now
How do I change or upgrade my pricing plan?
If you've any questions about changing your pricing plan or if you find you're using more minutes than you planned for and would like to upgrade your account, please email us your account number (it's at the top of your bill and begins with the letters GB) and tell us which plan you're on and which one you'd like to move to. Please note: this service isn't available at weekends - we'll be in touch as soon as we can during the working week.
I want to start a BT Openzone hotspot. What should I do?
Email us and tell us your:
- name, address, phone number
- type of business (e.g. coffee shop)
- total number of sites
- type of site (e.g. shop) and its size in metres
- how many people you think may want to access the internet in your hotspot at any given time