An Amazon service which uses customers' individual broadband accounts to create a neighbourhood-wide network for local devices to use, is being rolled out in the UK.
The Amazon Sidewalk network can be accessed by devices up to 500m (0.3 miles) away if the home wi-fi is out of reach or not working.
It means that Amazon-branded smart doorbells and security cameras can still function without a connection.
It was originally announced in 2019.
It will arrive in the form of a software update and owners of devices which can use it - including the Ring Doorbell and Amazon Echo - have to opt out of being part of it.
Only certain Amazon devices will be able to access it - not, for example, individual smartphones.
Amazon has been emailing those who are eligible.
Amazon Sidewalk comes to UK https://t.co/TifV7ItI77
— BBC News Technology (@BBCTech) November 24, 2020
It says in the email that Sidewalk "uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth" for the service.
"Sidewalk can also extend the coverage for Sidewalk-enabled devices, such as Ring smart lights and pet and object trackers, so they can stay connected and continue to work over longer distances," it adds.
Security researcher Kevin Beaumont tweeted that the firm appeared to be offering only very limited access to other people's broadband connections.
"It isn't blindly allowing anybody to browse the internet from your connection," he said.
Amazon has published a paper outlining Sidewalk's security set-up.
However, Prof Alan Woodward, a cyber-security expert from Surrey University, said he thought people should not be added to the network by default.
"I think you should opt in rather than opt out of these things," he said.
"It feels wrong not knowing what your device is connected to."
Latest Stories
-
NPA boss re-elected as President of African Refiners and Distributors Association
11 mins -
Today’s front pages: Monday, April 29, 2024
19 mins -
Ejisu by-election: I’m not an NDC member; address internal issues bothering your members – Aduomi to NPP
22 mins -
‘We have missed him for months’ – Arteta on Thomas Partey
37 mins -
Togo heads to polls amid tensions over law reform
39 mins -
Nigerians excited over Harry and Meghan’s planned visit
43 mins -
‘We are sorry but we need to stay calm’ – Andre Ayew on Black Stars recent form
1 hour -
Election 2024: Bawumia dares Mahama to two-man debate
1 hour -
Bawumia is a man of integrity and discipline unlike Mahama – Miracles Aboagye
1 hour -
Ejisu by-election: NDC is sponsoring Aduomi; don’t vote for him – Bawumia to NPP supporters
1 hour -
Freedom of speech must engender development
1 hour -
Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the high-achiever fighting for the welfare of women and children
1 hour -
Ghana Hajj Board announces flight schedules for 2024 pilgrimage
1 hour -
T-bills: Interest rates increased for first time since January 1; government fails to meet target
3 hours -
Ghana retains 10th position with lowest fuel price in Africa
3 hours