The Campaign For Free Wi-Fi
Posted on Sunday, November 19th, 2006
As you probably know, if you have read my last couple of posts, blogging without the internet is quite hard. But not today. I have been up to Oxford to practise for an upcoming gig with my band, right now I am travelling back on the Oxford Tube and I have the luxury of free, wireless internet whilst onboard.
While this may not seem that special, in this case of desperate need (two weeks now without my own connection, having to struggle by in my lunch time at work) it has opened my eyes to the potential that free wireless networks have. What, with the increase of mobile phones accessing the internet, the next step is to allow people with laptops, PDAs and smart phone to get on the web wherever and whenever they want to.
Not So Hot
Wi-Fi hotspots seem like a good idea, but they are expensive to use and only available in pockets around the café/hotel lobby/airport that makes it available. There are also several different companies offering these hotspots, yet there is no roaming capability between them and to use more than one, you have to pay again. As an recently graduated student, I cannot justify spending that sort of money just for a bit of internet access.
So what is there to be done? Well, wireless networks covering whole cities have already been, or are being, introduced, including one in the great British city of Norwich. The first country to introduce free wireless internet to all of it’s citizens is Niue, in the South Pacific. Why stop here though?
Get your name down for the Gadget Show’s campaign for free wi-fi and help get the word out that a few cities and islands is not enough. The internet is a huge part of our lives now and to have information at our fingertips anywhere in our major towns and cities (plus let me blog even when I don’t have the internet in my home) would be a huge benefit.
What do you think? Would free wireless internet access be useful/pointless/to die for? Join the campaign, or not?
As for me, I’ve got to go now, I’ve just reached the end of the journey…
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1November 21st, 2006 at 9:59 am
Hans Says:My name is there ;)
I find this a very good initiative since now people are more wanting to get out of their houses for some browsing. So be it in the bus, the metro or for lunch, that would be too great to have net access.
I don’t know whether that’s possible but I think wifi access could become very cheap if the wifi providers could join hands with the mobile phone companies. Then they would be using the same network but paying less. A broadband company did this in Mauritius.
2November 23rd, 2006 at 11:22 pm
Phil Says:I’m so desperate with my current lack of internet access that I considered getting a t-mobile data card! But I can’t really afford that! I am going for an unlimited WAP allowance on a new phone contract though!
Still, give me free, blanket coverage, wifi internet access and I will be over the moon. The only downside to that would probably be that I’d end up carrying my laptop everywhere and then get fed up because it is so big, and buy a new one. Thus free internet would eventually cost me money!
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April 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pm
3July 28th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Amanda Shaw Says:Free WiFi is LetsGoWiFi’s Mission Statement. If you are visiting Liverpool you can get free WiFi Internet access at the following locations:
World Museum, William Brown Street
Maritime Museum, Albert Dock (Both are fantastic tourist attractions with free entry and free WiFi Access)
Sir Thomas Hotel, Sir Thomas Street (A great place to relax, eat and drink in quality surroundings)
Everyman Bistro (a favourite haunt for students and theatre lovers - brilliant atmosphere and food)
Liverpool Medical Institution (for conferences)
or in Southport:
Casa Italia Ristorante, Lord Street (A well known and much loved Italian Restaurant)
Southport Theatre & Floral Hall Complex (Currently Merseyside’s largest conference centre)
Southport Business & Investment Centre (Conferences and business meetings) and West Lancashire Investment Centre (Conferences and business meetings)
4March 16th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Ken Brady Says:You can also get free WiFi @ any McDonalds - see their
website for details
Regards
Ken , Liverpool
5May 11th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Amanda Shaw Says:Free WiFi Internet access is also available in Coronation Park, Ormskirk, Park Pool Leisure Centre, Ormskirk and the Beech Mount Executive Hotel, Liverpool.
6July 9th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Amanda Shaw Says:Free WiFi Internet access is also available at Brew Tea Bar, Liverpool. Amanda - http://www.letsgowifi.co.uk