Communication and media firm Shaw and networking offering provider Cisco have signed an agreement to deploy a Wi-Fi network in Western Canada to provide broadband wireless access.

The broadband wireless network will be available to Shaw customers in various markets where Wi-Fi access points are deployed, and will allow the customers to connect to Wi-Fi enabled devices like tablets, mobile phones and computers.

To deliver enhanced video, data, and mobile services to residential and commercial customers, Shaw will use the Cisco Internet networking technologies, including the Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System, and Cisco ASR 5000 and 1000 Series routers.

Shaw Communications president Peter Bissonnette said the Wi-Fi network will allow them to become the first service provider in Canada to deliver their secure, reliable and incredibly fast Internet in thousands of locations.

Shaw will deploy Cisco Service Provider Wi-Fi, part of Cisco’s M.O.VE architecture to power its new Wi-Fi services.

With this new offering, service providers are expxcted to get scalable mobile Internet access, which is till date provided through a cellular network.

Shaw will use the Cisco offering to provide secure coverage in targeted areas like sporting venues and transit systems, and also it deploys CiscoUnified Computing System as a cloud computing infrastructure to deliver a secure virtual experience.

Cisco senior vice president, general manager and chief architect of Service Provider Group Kelly Ahuja said Cisco’s technology paired with Shaw’s pioneering vision elevates the status of Wi-Fi as a trusted wireless technology on a par with cellular radio access networks.