TIM works with Motorola for Pope-ular Wi-Fi hybrid

Motorola has extended a relationship with TIM to provide Wi-Fi wireless connectivity to the Italian mobile operator's customers.

TIM and Motorola's Global Telecoms Solution Sector will offer a hybrid Wi-Fi system. Employees at a site get to use a private wireless network, while guests get access to what becomes a public network, with authentication provided using the SIM cards in their TIM mobile phones.

The arrangement started with TIM rolling out the system for its own offices in Italy.

TIM said the target of the rollout is the "corporate and executive" market and it praised Motorola for marrying mobile and Wi-Fi networks.

Motorola has worked with BT Openzone for Wi-Fi in the past and last month raised eyebrows by announcing that it was the supplier of choice to the Vatican. Pope-protecting Swiss Guards are now using the popular wireless standard to connect handheld devices to systems that, for example, allow them to check cars' number plates against databases.

Motorola will supply Wi-Fi radio networks, including access points and PC cards, as well as the core network, including routers and firewalls, while TIM provides necessary cabling.

The companies have not revealed the financial details of their ongoing relationship.