Agere Systems and Ericsson announced plans to deliver technology designed to expand service providers’ ability to provide laptops and handheld devices with access to the Internet and corporate networks from public spaces. The two companies will provide complementary 802.11/Wi-Fi solutions that connect to service providers’ network hubs to enable user authentication and billing, a key step toward offering mobile users the freedom of roaming network access. The solution will use SIM (subscriber identification module) technology similar to what GSM phones use today.