Perhaps you’re a new business owner who wants to save money by relying on free WiFi when computing on the road. Or maybe you’ve already used up the data access limits that your phone service provider allows.
In any case, you already know that Starbucks and McDonald’s offer Internet access at no cost. But if none of these franchises exist where you’re going, here are a few more alternatives for WiFi.
Try Hotspots from Your Cable Company
If you use a cable TV service provider at home, it’s most likely that the company provides free hot spot service throughout the U.S. For example, Time Warner Cable offers over 200,000 hot spots and its impending merger with Comcast will increase that number. Sign on to the hot spot using the same user code and password for your provider’s website.
Libraries are Not Just for Reading
Public libraries provide information to their patrons whether it’s in the form of print or digital data. So most offer Internet access either through terminals or with wireless. All you have to do is go inside the branch and ask for a temporary password. You may be limited to a couple of hours of access or less. However, if attendance is sparse, which is typical for business hours, and you’re not using physical resources, you can always ask for another allotment. You can also go to another branch and get access there.
Lodging Lobbies Leak
Hotels and motels often entice people to stay using free WiFi as one of their amenities. Such broadband may not only be strong but unprotected, for the convenience of staff and guests. Try the parking lot first and you can work from your car. If that doesn’t work, step into the lobby, which is comfortable and climate-controlled, and check you web pages from there.
