mopay, which specialises in payment solutions for online merchants, has revealed that it is working with Fon, the world’s largest wi-fi network. Fon has switched on mopay mobile payments to make it easy for smartphone or tablet users who have limited (3G/4G) or no internet access to quickly buy access pass to its wi-fi network of over 3m Fon hotspots, simply by providing their mobile phone number.

With mopay, smartphone and tablet users near Fon hotspots can buy a Fon pass simply by providing a mobile phone number at login. The charge is billed directly to the respective phone account, and no registration is required. Customers can choose between a 25-minute pass and a 1-hour pass. Pricing begins at $1.50.

The idea behind Fon, which has over 6m users, is to share a small part of your home internet access with fellow Fon members, and in return get free access to other members’ wi-fi when you’re out and about. Non-members can also use Fon hotspots but have to pay for access. Fon is now offering mopay in addition to credit card and PayPal options.

“Today, people want to watch videos and play games on their smartphones and tablets,” notes Fon COO, Alex Puregger. Wi-fi offers the best user experience for that. At Fon, we give people more opportunities to connect to wi-fi, and getting them connected seamlessly is key. While Fon access is free for sharing members, non-sharing members buy wi-fi passes to connect. mopay helps us to make that payment process quick and easy.”