06-17-2003, 11:00 AM
|
|
Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
|
|
Do You Pay For WiFi?
I just got another press release from Boingo announcing that their WiFi service is now available at LaGuardia Airport. It seems as though they're always announcing the addition of some airport, restaurant or hotel hotspot, so it really didn't get me too excited.
I've used their service before, mostly while spending a few lonely late-night hours stranded in an airport. I've also used similar services from other providers, but it's always been for a single day or a few hours while on the road. I've never had a lengthy subscription to any kind of WiFi hotspot services.
So, it struck me...Who actually DOES buy WiFi programs like those from Boingo or T-Mobile? And, what are the criteria that make people want to use or not use subscription-based WiFi?
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 11:53 AM
|
|
Theorist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 291
|
|
The pole needs another option.
"I live in the UK and the only WiFi access point I have encountered is the one I set up in my house" 
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 11:55 AM
|
|
Sage
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 602
|
|
You forgot one important poll-choice:
No, I have a WiFi-enabled device, but only use it at home!
There just aren't many WiFi-spots here in Norway, and the prices are insane :-(
__________________
Mobile: Motorola Milestone
Photo: Canon Eos 20D
PC: Several Mac's...
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 11:56 AM
|
|
Sage
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 602
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by PR.
"I live in the UK and the only WiFi access point I have encountered is the one I set up in my house" |
You beat me to it :lol:
__________________
Mobile: Motorola Milestone
Photo: Canon Eos 20D
PC: Several Mac's...
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 12:18 PM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 238
|
|
It's never where I need it!
Just like TopDog said, I use my 5455 on my home connection more than anywhere else. Despite heavy travel for my job, HotSpots never seem to be available when I need it! :roll:
Personally, I am waiting until the SDIO WiFi cards come out (hopefully August), and then I am going to entertain a Samsung i700 with Verizon. I want a connection wherever I am at, whenever I want. I anticipate using the Express Network 90% of the time, and WiFi the balance of the time, and only because of availability....
At this point, HotSpots can be compared to phone booths of yesteryear: "Hey! I can get a connection right down the street here! Stop at that Starbucks!"
How inconvenient....
Matt
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 12:39 PM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
|
|
I would suggest another option. The city of Tallahassee, FL has had free wireless access in the downtown area for a little over a year now. There are talks about making it a pay service, but for now it is still free. Perhaps this is unique to Tallahassee. Anyway, my survey answer would be that I use it often, but don't pay. You can read about the Tallahassee Digital Canopy here http://www.digitalcanopy.com/main_flash.html
EDIT: I want to clarify, the free service I am talking about it no just using someones unsecured AP. This is an actual free service that is free to the public to use.
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 12:48 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 97
|
|
Ditto Toronto. Plenty of free wifi in downtown right now.
I used to catch the train from Bedford. Not surprised there are no wifi hotspots 
btw, have you guys seen this link:
http://intel.com/products/mobiletech...ots/finder.htm
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 12:52 PM
|
|
Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,981
|
|
There are a couple pay services around Toronto and I've played with them a little. Ultimatly, I would much rather sit here on the 7th floor, and connect to one of the 2 unsecured WiFi signals that are floating into our building.
Bell Canada has setup a free hotspot in Union station, which I use to check email one last time before getting on the train. And during my train ride home, there are 3 unsecured networks (at various stops). So getting connected is no problem. Why would I pay?
Of course, all I need now is a new PPC with WiFi so I don't have to keep unloading my laptop.
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 12:55 PM
|
|
Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,981
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
06-17-2003, 01:21 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 89
|
|
The same type of responses come up in every thread on this topic. These pay services are NOT for you to go down the street from your home or office to use. Of course you wouldn't pay these fees for that "convenience." They are for people that travel and want to have a high-speed Internet connection option. Some business travelers will pay for the Starbucks monthly plan because they KNOW they can find a Starbucks when they need one. Yes, I know there are plenty of free, or unsecured, networks you can hop on to. But if getting connected is critical and you are on the road then you want to know that you have a place to get connected. The prices need to come down significantly to get the general public interested. For now they are priced like airlines' business fares because they target the same clientele.
Scott
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
