Feature: Fix for a Big Wi-Fi Gripe
I have a problem, and I bet you have it, too.
When traveling for business, I often pass through multiple airports. The good news is that more and more airports are offering wireless Internet access. The bad news? It seems like most of the time, each airport's wireless service is offered by a different provider. That means having to sign on to one network here and another one there, paying for each one separately. It's a hassle, and the expenses add up.
But there are ways to make your Wi-Fi wanderings a bit easier. Read on.
Check Out Wi-Fi Roaming Agreements
Some commercial Wi-Fi service providers have reciprocal roaming agreements with other providers. Wi-Fi roaming is kind of like cell phone roaming, but not nearly as transparent. Unlike cell phone roaming, you still have to sign on to a new wireless network to use it.
But in the past year, an increase in agreements between providers is making Wi-Fi roaming a bit easier to maneuver. For instance, in a roaming agreement, subscribers of Wi-Fi Service A can use their existing user ID and password to access Wi-Fi Service B's network, without having to sign up with Service B. The charges incurred will appear on the customer's bill from Service A.
Some current Wi-Fi roaming agreements:
- Sprint rapidly developed a large North American Wi-Fi network through roaming agreements with Airpath Wireless, AT&T Wireless, SBC, STSN, Wayport, and others. Sprint has claimed that by the end of 2004 it had some 10,000 hotspots in service.
- Boingo Wireless currently has roaming agreements with 14 providers, including NetNearU, STSN, Surf and Sip, and Wayport.
- In addition to its arrangements with Boingo and Sprint, Wayport has roaming agreements with IPass, SBC, Verizon Wireless, and others.
- IPass provides a "global virtual network" for corporate users, providing wireless, dial-up, and broadband network access on the road. The service has roaming agreements with Airpath Wireless, T-Mobile, and others.
Find Free Hotspots
Signing up with a commercial Wi-Fi provider that has lots of roaming agreements can simplify your wireless travels. Even better, though, is to take advantage of the many free public Wi-Fi networks available. Because no fee is required, you can connect without the hassle of registering for, or signing on to, a service.
Some resources for finding free hotspots include:
- PC World's Hotspot Finder. Enter in a zip code or address and click the "free" button to narrow your search to free hotspots.
- The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory lets you browse for free hotspots by state.
- The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory also offers a list of airports with free Wi-Fi.
Get a Wi-Fi Finder
How do you know when you're near a hotspot, without booting up your notebook or turning on your Wi-Fi-enabled PDA?
PCTel's WiFi Seeker ($30) is one of several small devices that detect the presence of 802.11b and -g networks. Signal strength is indicated by four LED lights. The device doesn't differentiate between free and fee-based or private and public networks, however.
For more options, read "New Wi-Fi Finders Work Well."
Make Your Own Hotspot
Wireless networking in hotel rooms is growing. But many hotels still offer wired broadband Internet access in guest rooms and provide Wi-Fi networking only in public areas. With a portable wireless network router, you can transform your hotel room's network from wired to wireless. I've tested Apple's AirPort Express ($129) specifically for that purpose, and I found it easy to configure and use.
For the latest prices on the AirPort Express, check the PC World Product Finder.
Get on a 3G Network
Of course, Wi-Fi networks aren't the only way to make a wireless Internet connection on the go. Most mobile phone service providers offer high-speed Internet connectivity for notebooks, or smart phones and PDAs, via third-generation (3G) cellular networks. The advantage: You can make an Internet connection anywhere there's a cell phone signal. The downside: Monthly rates for high-speed cellular network access can be expensive, around $80 or so.
Among the providers are Verizon and Sprint PCS.
Be Patient
Over time, the Wi-Fi roaming situation is bound to improve. If nothing else, WiMax, a new wireless network standard with a far greater range than Wi-Fi, should make wireless roaming significantly easier.
Read my story about WiMax and other up-and-coming wireless technologies, "What's Next for Wireless?" Also, go to this week's "Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips" section for an update on mobile WiMax.
Your Two Cents?
Do you have a tip for minimizing the hassle of Wi-Fi roaming? If so, send it to me.
Ad Choices