iPass takes a stab at iPhone users

Looking to cater to business travelers, iPass this week launched its iPassConnect offering targeted at users of Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPod Touch.
The company said users can get access to 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.
“We have created a global Wi-Fi network where iPhone users can use a single source for connectivity, regardless of geography,” said Rick Bilodeau, iPass VP of marketing.
The company said it is targeting business travelers who want to have guaranteed access to the Internet or their e-mail with the popular Apple products. Bilodeau said the service can be a useful way for business workers who travel overseas to avoid costly international 3G roaming charges.
The company offers the Wi-Fi service through agreements it has with major hot spot providers around the world. Instead of signing up for service with individual providers, iPass allows customers to access thousands of locations through a single log in. Featured venues include hotels like the Hyatt, Sheraton and Hilton and eateries that include McDonald’s and Starbucks.
The service is available for both generations of the iPhone and Touch that are operating on the 2.1 version or higher of Apple’s operating system. It is available at the Apple App store or by visiting the iPass Web site. Plans for the service begin at $7 per month with a one-year contract.
Bilodeau said the iPhone is becoming a viable device for business workers.
“There is user demand and I.T. departments are asking for support for the iPhone,” he said.
Bilodeau said the service will be offered to customers only in the U.S.
‘We want to understand the pattern and usage in the U.S. before we go international,” he said. “We are offering a global unified service at an affordable price.”