Chip maker AMD has quietly rolled out a network of Wi-Fi hotspots. The company will formally launch the service next quarter, The Register has learned. And in a bid to challenge Intel"s desire to equate its Centrino brand with wireless networking, AMD will provide wireless access free of charge. Operating under the AMD Hotspot brand, the programme has already installed several hundred hotspots in locations across the US. The tally is likely to have grown significantly by the time the network is officially launched in the coming months, we understand.
Almost all of the hotspots are located in independent coffee shops, small caf&eactue; chains, bars and restaurants. Though we did spot a Holiday Inn Express hotel in among the list too. That hotbed of US chip industry activity, Austin, Texas, is home to 58 hotspots alone. AMD"s hometown, Sunnyvale, California, alas has only one. The chip maker offers would-be hotspot location owners help "promoting your site to thousands of users... throughout your local market". "Members can receive the benefits of discounts, giveaways and traffic-driving special events", the company says.