Agere Systems and Ericsson plans to work together to deliver technology that expands service providers' ability to provide laptops and handheld devices with access to the Internet and corporate networks from public spaces.

According to the companies, they will provide complementary 802.11/Wi-Fi solutions that connect to service providers' network hubs to enable user authentication and billing, which they claim is a key step toward offering mobile users the freedom of roaming network access. The solution is slated to use SIM (subscriber identification module) technology similar to what GSM phones use today.

Using the SIM technology, laptop users could log onto their company's network while waiting for a commuter train without plugging into the data port of a public telephone or providing credit card information. The companies said the combination of 802.11/Wi-Fi and SIM technology also enables roaming between service providers, ensuring broader network access for PC users on the move. By offering high-speed data access to mobile PC users, Agere and Ericsson said service providers can supply data intensive services such as electronic mail, virtual meetings and web surfing.