O2 Wifi aiming to rapidly increase wireless broadband footprint

O2's new head of Wi-Fi commercial delivery has said he is looking forward to "rapidly increasing" the company's wireless broadband footprint over the coming years. Ben Mein has assumed the role at O2 Wifi having previously worked as a director for the Nielsen Company's online and media business. The position will see Mr Mein work closely alongside O2 Wifi managing director Gavin Franks and take responsibility for the public Wi-Fi platform's business plan. Leading the sales team, he has been tasked with developing commercial strategies, expanding relationships with clients and third parties, and driving overall financial growth. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Mein said he is "relishing the challenge" of boosting the network operator's Wi-Fi coverage by teaming up with partner venue owners. The digital media expert added he will help "create a scaled Wi-Fi platform with the aim to at least double the number of premium hotspots currently offered by BT Openzone and The Cloud combined by 2013". Launched in January, O2 Wifi is designed to offer customers simple and free access to secure, fast wireless broadband connections. It is aiming to have a network of 14,000 hotspots across the UK by 2013.