THE trial of wireless broadband Internet hotspots at three Shepherd Neame pubs in Kent has proved so successful that Telabria, the network provider, is to install the innovative technology in the brewer’s 15 accommodation properties across the county.

The decision by the two Kent-based companies comes after scooping the Kent Business Technology Award, which commended the partnership for bringing broadband Internet access to rural communities.

Initially, the technology is being rolled-out during September to those pubs offering accommodation, providing guests as well as local residents and businesses access to a high-speed Internet connection.

Jim Baker, Telabria chief executive, said: “We are delighted. The wireless hotspots will be a real benefit to overnight guests, and also to businesses seeking ‘connected’ meeting and conference facilities.

“The system being installed in the properties can also be activated by Shepherd Neame to provide broadband Internet and computer network services to residents’ homes within the surrounding area, making the pub a technical hub of a wireless mesh network.”

With the high-speed ADSL lines providing the Internet connections, customers can connect to the Telabria broadband network with a WiFi-enabled device, such as a PDA or Intel Centrino-equipped laptop.

By Christmas 60 managed houses from Shepherd Neame’s 370-strong pub estate, located throughout Kent, Surrey, London, Sussex and Essex, will also become local points-of-presence for Telabria’s fast-growing regional network, making it one of the largest in the UK.

Telabria is also installing a multi-service wireless network at Shepherd Neame’s historic Faversham brewery, which will provide Internet access to employees and visitors, and enable mobile enterprise applications to support the company’s business operations.

The 15 inns are: The Chequers, Lamberhurst; The Conningbrook, Ashford; The Crown Inn, Chislehurst; The Dog & Bear, Lenham; The Evenhill, Littlebourne; The Crown Inn, Sarre; The Railway, Faversham; The Marine, Tankerton; The Millers Arms, Canterbury; The New Flying Horse, Wye; The Royal Hotel, Deal; The Ship & Trades, Chatham; The Sun Inn, Faversham; The White Horse, Boughton; and The Woolpack Inn, Chilham.