Wireless surfing hits the catwalk

Supermodels could be strutting their stuff down the catwalk while surfing the net during London Fashion Week next week.

BT Openzone and Intel have teamed up to install a wireless broadband network at the show, which takes place from 19 to 23 September.

The service will let anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA with a WLAN card send and receive information at broadband speed. WLAN cards will be on sale at a BT Openzone and Intel stand in the main exhibition hall, although those with laptops with Intel Centrino mobile technology do not need one.

"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,” said Chris Clark, chief executive at BT Wireless Broadband.

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 more than 4,000 BT Openzone hotspots across the UK, with locations including Hilton Hotels, British Airways lounges, Welcome Breaks, RoadChefs and McDonalds Drive-thrus.