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iPass Inc. announced it is greatly expanding its Wi-Fi coverage in China through a partnership with Coordinate Technologies Communication Ltd.(CTCL), a systems integrator that provides the Wi-Fi roaming hub for leading Chinese carriers. iPass Wi-Fi coverage in China features 600 live locations from CTCL; these represent the first phase of a rollout that will include the entire CTCL footprint of nearly 1,600 hotspots.

This relationship not only increases iPass’ Global Broadband Roaming footprint in one of the world’s most critical economies, but it also gives iPass users extensive Wi-Fi coverage across the key cities hosting the Beijing Games in August. With a total of approximately 2,500 active wireless broadband locations available across China and Hong Kong, iPass covers more than half of all available commercial Wi-Fi hotspots, and complements this with a nationwide mobile broadband and dial-up footprint.

Through its partnership with CTCL, iPass will ensure seamless connection for the mobile worker in major Chinese business hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao. The CTCL network covers a variety of venues including nearly 50 international and domestic airports, more than 700 hotels including the Shangri-La and Crowne Plaza chains, Starbucks coffee shops and conference facilities.

“CTCL’s partnership with iPass will be critical to opening our footprint to thousands of new business users within China as well as overseas travelers who have a need for secure and reliable Wi-Fi access,” explains Jason Liang, CEO, CTCL.

The CTCL network infrastructure has completed iPass’ Enterprise Ready Certification, which ensures high levels of access reliability and compatibility with enterprise systems. These new locations add to the world’s largest active business-class Wi-Fi network of more than 100,000 broadband venues including 83 of the world’s top 100 airports.

“Since market reforms took place in China, the country has made rapid advances in use of wireless communications technologies in order to become better connected to the global economy,” commented Chee Leng Loy, managing director of iPass in Asia. "We are very pleased that we can offer iPass users the coverage they need to stay connected across China, especially ahead of the landmark event that will be the Beijing Games this summer.”