Based: London
Founded: 2003
www.thecloud.net

Why is it Fierce? The Cloud is Europe's leading WiFi network operator, offering access to the Internet at more than 7,000 hotspot locations in the UK, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The Cloud installs and manages carrier-grade wireless networks in public locations. The company's neutral, multi-service provider platform allows mobile and broadband operators, ISPs and game console companies to offer a fully-branded WLAN access to their customers. The Cloud also offers sector-specific solutions.

What to look for: The Cloud says the company's vision is to build Europe's largest and most versatile wireless broadband network for consumers and companies. In April the company signed a roaming agreement with iPass, which offers more than 50,000 wireless hot spots in 160 countries. Look for The Cloud to reach similar agreements with other hot spot operators.

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