Austin Wireless City Project, Less Networks, and NewsStand Supply News Content to Free WiFi Locations
Get over 175 newspaper and magazine publications through NewsStand.com
AUSTIN, TX (PRWEB) August 14, 2004 -- Extending the amenities and content available to users of the free WiFi internet access provided through the Austin Wireless City Project, over 175 newspaper and magazine publications are now available through NewsStand, Inc. The delivery of the service to 75 Austin locations and 117 worldwide is made possible by AWC’s network services partner Less Networks, LLC. Users at Less Networks-powered free WiFi hotspots will now have the ability to download and save to their laptops digital replicas of the print editions of choice publications including The New York Times, Texas Monthly, and the Austin-American Statesman.
“Access to NewsStand’s publications makes free WiFi even cooler,” said Rich MacKinnon, president of Austin Wireless. “Austin’s movement to improve the availability and quality of public free WiFi is continually growing. Available to over 15,000 users, downloadable publications are an addition to existing AWC hotspot amenities such as venue-to-venue chat, discussion forums, and free iTunes from the SXSW music festival. “
"NewsStand is very excited to be a provider of global news, business and entertainment publications to users of free WiFi. We continue to perfect our digital reading experience through Web and print integration," commented Kit Webster, president and chief executive officer of NewsStand.
“Making premium publications available through free WiFi makes sense,” says MacKinnon. “It represents a large and rapidly growing potential audience for those periodicals.”
Unlike the free Internet access and free iTunes at the hotspots, WiFi users will be expected to pay for the privilege to download NewsStand’s magazines and newspapers. “Content you can save to your laptop and access offline will become increasingly important to folks,” says MacKinnon. “When you’re always connected, you’re especially aware of when you’re not. A newspaper’s website is no good if you can’t get to it. Downloadable content will be increasingly valuable to mobile users and I don’t think they’ll mind paying for it.”
About Austin Wireless City Project
The mission of the Austin Wireless City Project is To EDUCATE, ADVISE, ENABLE and ASSIST operators of public spaces in providing free wireless hotspots to ALL residents of Austin and surrounding areas. The web site is http://www.austinwirelesscity.org/.
About NewsStand, Inc.
NewsStand, Inc. is the leading digital partner for premier publishers of newspapers, magazines and other print media and is included in the eContent magazine list of Top 100 Companies for 2003. NewsStand's digital delivery solution makes it possible for subscribers to download via the Internet an entire publication in traditional print format that can be read offline or online on their computer. NewsStand not only offers an entirely new reading experience for the global community, but also creates innovative marketing opportunities for both publishers and advertisers. Currently, the company delivers and markets over 175 titles to paying customers in more than 120 countries. NewsStand is a privately held company headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Australia, Germany, New York City and the United Kingdom. Investors include Adams Capital Management, SSM Ventures, Noro-Moseley Partners, and the New York Times Company. For more information on NewsStand, please visit www.newsstand.com.
About Less Networks, LLC.
Less Networks creates easily deployed, customer-branded Free WiFi hotspots at coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, bookstores, waiting rooms and conference rooms worldwide. The venues own their hotspot and manage it with simple web tools. Hotspot software lets venues communicate with their customers and keep logs on WiFi usage. Users can roam to all Less Networks powered hotspots and have the ability to chat with other users logged in from home or other venues. The website is www.lessnetworks.com.
For more information:
Lisa Peterson, Porter Novelli for AWCP
512-241-2233
lisa.peterson@porternovelli.com
Laura Pennino, Pennino and Partners for NewsStand.com
281-286-9398
lp@penninoandpartners.com