Another sign of Google expanding on its core business?

Google hints at Wi-Fi service

Search giant's web pages let slip a few company secrets

Written by Iain Thomson

vnunet.com, 20 Sep 2005

Google is preparing to launch its own Wi-Fi service, according to certain pages on the company's website.

The pages mention a previously unknown product called Google Secure Access which can be downloaded as a beta. The software allows automatic encryption of Wi-Fi signals using a VPN run by Google.

"One of our engineers recognised that secure Wi-Fi was virtually non-existent at most locations," states the Google Wi-Fi FAQ.

"As a result, he used his project time to begin an initiative to offer users more secure Wi-Fi access. Google Secure Access is the result of this endeavour. "

Full details are not yet on the site but the web page's contents suggest that the first Google Wi-Fi hotspots will be based in San Francisco. The search giant already sponsors a Wi-Fi hotspot in the city's Union Square.