The Stones are embracing new technology

The Rolling Stones are using wi-fi to help their Forty Licks world tour go more smoothly.

Behind the scenes of the Stones' gigs wireless access points are speeding up the preparation of the stage for the band's performance.

By using radio links instead of cables the Stones' production company can set up a venue-wide computer network far faster than normal.

Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie will also be using the wi-fi network to keep in touch with friends and family via e-mail.

A mobile wireless computer network that can be set up and torn down in an hour has been created by Clear Channel Entertainment, the production company the Stones is using to help stage its Forty Licks world tour.

Access all areas

Between them the production company's staff, band members and tour promotion office have about 140 laptops that will all connect to the net via the wi-fi network.

Wi-fi, which uses radio to share data between computers, is becoming increasingly popular with home and business users because it is easy to set up.

The production company will also use it to share detailed floor plans of venues and the Stones' stage set between employees. This will help them fine tune the stage set for every stop on the tour.

The flexibility of the network will also let the Stones' tour promotion team pass on much more information about each performance to fans.

Anyone who bought a ticket to a Forty Licks gig or has joined the fan club is able to follow the tour as it travels around the globe.

The network will be used to pipe material to fans giving them better access to what happens behind the scenes and to the band members.

Eventually Clear Channel is planning to use the wi-fi network to help it broadcast live webcasts of each gig on to the net.