The Cloud has inked a deal with the BBC to allow users of Wi-Fi broadband-enabled devices to access the broadcaster's range of websites - even if they are not The Cloud subscribers.

Content from the BBC's site will be delivered by an Adobe Flash-based player and can be accessed by users of mobile phones or laptops within the vicinity of the Cloud's 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots.

As well as accessing the BBC's news website and programme sites, users will also be able to download TV shows via the iPlayer - although this will initially only be available via a laptop.

Ashley Highfield, the BBC's director of Future Media and Technology, told BBC Online: "This is the first of what I hope will be a number of relationships with Wi-Fi operators.

"For us the killer is - there is no subscription required. You will be able to consume any of the content on bbc.co.uk; watch an episode of Strictly Come Dancing with your coffee, or if you are pressed for time, download it and watch it later."