With the help of Google Inc. and eBay Inc funding FON, to promote free wireless Internet access, FON has started selling routers for $5 to encourage consumers to share their web connections with others.



According to Juergen Urbanski, Madrid-based FON’s U.S. general manager, consumers usually buy routers that cost $60.



FON raised $21.7 million from Google, eBay’s Skype Technologies, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital. It is aiming to build a global network of wireless commitment or Wi-Fi links to promote Internet access. The company also wants to make money for others by renting connections.



Linksys Inc which makes the routers, was acquired by Cisco Systems Inc. in 2003 and Buffalo Technology Inc.



FON is making 1 million routers available for sale at the subsidized price.



Users who have already wireless connections can also install software from FON to join the network.



The company aims to have 50,000 wireless hot spots by September and 150,000 by the end of the year.



Via : Seattlepi