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IPass, which focuses on bundled services for remote workers, announced today it will offer enterprise customers monthly and annual flat rates for WiFi 
connectivity within the United States.
The company has partnered with T-Mobile to add more than 5,000 hot spots to its network.
The flat-rate offering addresses problems for enterprises that affect both the WiFi and cell phone use of mobile employees, Yankee Group analyst Adam Zawel said.
"There are two big concerns," Zawel told TechNewsWorld. "One is that expenses are getting out of hand as more employees use WiFi. Two, they want to get some kind of control over security. They don't want employees accessing a network in an unsafe environment."
Company Control
By purchasing a WiFi package instead of allowing employees to choose a service and then reimbursing them, companies both limit costs and create a more stable budgeting structure.
IT departments also get a better means of monitoring who is accessing their network and from where.
Zawel said that iPass makes security a priority, which may make companies more comfortable about WiFi access.
The iPass Policy Orchestration security capabilities check to see that devices accessing the network have up-to-date virus protection and have the company's firewall installed.
New Security Feature
On Monday iPass announced an addition to those security capabilities, Endpoint Policy Management, which ensures that the software and operating systems connected to the enterprise network are updated remotely and automatically. The company also offers usage records.
IPass' WiFi network extends across thousands of locations in airports, hotels and restaurants in 47 countries. The flat rate will depend upon the number of network users and the length of the billing period.
The company also offers Internet packages for mobile employees through dial-up and wired broadband using many service providers.
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