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iPass, Cometa work to combine efforts

Richard Shim Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Richard Shim
writes about gadgets big and small.
Richard Shim
Start-ups and Cometa Networks are working to allow iPass' roaming service to be available on Cometa's future hot spot network. Hot spots are areas where wireless Web access is available to the public using Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi refers to wireless networking technology based on the 802.11b, the 802.11a and--by midyear--the 802.11g standards. San Francisco, Calif.-based Cometa plans to introduce its 802.11b-based Wi-Fi network in metropolitan areas in the fourth quarter.

Redwood Shores, Calif.-based iPass works with network service providers and adds its virtual network software to networks so they are secure enough for traveling workers to wirelessly access data from their company's network. iPass sells network and Internet services to businesses and other providers.