17th September ,2004

The catwalks won’t be the only hot spots at this season’s London Fashion Week as designers, buyers, exhibitors, journalists and photographers attending the fashion shows (September 19-23) can surf the web and download documents at high speeds. This will be possible thanks to the installation of a wireless broadband network at the show by BT Openzone, along with Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology.

At this season’s Wi-Fi enabled Fashion Week, more than 5,000 visitors to the Duke of York’s Square will be able to use fast wireless connections in between watching the shows or swapping fashion tips. BT and Intel are also making the end of the main catwalk into a giant ‘hotspot’, so journalists can file copy and email photographs of the latest trends direct from the catwalk back to their newsdesks.

BT Openzone allows anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA to send and receive large quantities of information at broadband speed. To access the system, all visitors need is a WLAN card to insert into their laptop. For visitors using laptops with Intel Centrino mobile technology, which do not require WLAN cards, getting online couldn’t be simpler as they allow users to benefit from extended battery life, integrated wireless LAN connectivity and outstanding mobile performance in a thinner and lighter notebook design*.

WLAN cards can be purchased from the BT Openzone and Intel stand and helpdesk situated in the main exhibition hall. Journalists or photographers wishing to use the service at the event can purchase vouchers or a subscription at www.btopenzone.com .

Chris Clark, chief executive, BT Wireless Broadband, said: “With thousands of fashion followers, journalists and photographers from around the world visiting London Fashion Week, the installation of BT Openzone provides them with a perfect opportunity to check their emails or sort out something urgent in between shows. Fashion fans can look up information on their favourite designers or exhibitors can send orders back to their shops in real-time. Laptops powered by Intel Centrino mobile technology will also be available for visitors to use in the café at Duke of York’s Square to make it really easy for visitors to get online wirelessly.

“The installation of wireless broadband at London Fashion Week is a key part of BT and Intel’s ‘Why Not Here’ campaign, which is helping to raise awareness of how easy it is for people to work ‘on the move’. By working with major events in the UK, we are helping to raise awareness of the benefits of Wi-Fi for internet users. We’ve installed networks like this at other events and they’ve proved enormously popular – especially with the media.”

Rick Skett, country manager, Intel UK & Ireland, said: “Wireless connection to the Internet is fast becoming a must-have for businesspeople and consumers alike who want information anytime, anywhere. The widespread uptake of mobile computing is further demonstrated as high-profile events, such as London Fashion Week, deploy wireless networks verified for laptops based on Intel Centrino mobile technology. Now, for the first time, visitors to the event will have a fully connected experience and be able to relay the latest fashions and designs to friends and colleagues as and when they happen.”

Anne Tyrrell, vice-chairman of the British Fashion Council, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer the highest technology to visitors to London Fashion Week with the help of BT Openzone and Intel Centrino mobile technology. It means journalists can file stories from the front row, photographers can send pictures immediately around the world and exhibitors can download orders direct to their offices.”

There are currently more than 4,000 BT Openzone hotspots nationwide. All are easily-identified and can be found at a rapidly-expanding network of locations. They include Hilton Hotels, British Airways lounges, Welcome Breaks, RoadChefs and McDonalds Drive-thrus .