Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Free hotspots operate in two ways:

• Using an open public network is the easiest way to create a free HotSpot. All that is needed is a Wi-Fi router. Private users of wireless routers can turn off their encyrption, thus opening their connection, intentionally or not, for sharing by anyone in range. The disadvantage is that access to the router cannot be controlled.
• Closed public networks use a HotSpot Management System to control the HotSpot. This software runs on the router itself or an external computer. With this software, operators can authorize only specific users to access the Internet, and they often associate the free access to a menu or to a purchase limit.
•  Internet access at any of our 600+ HotSpots countrywide locall.
•  Send and receive mail, stay in contact with colleagues, friends and family, make VoIP calls, browse the net whilst travelling
• Use your mobile phone to connect to the net
• Roam anywhere between airports, hotels, B&B's, coffee shops, and many other HotSpot enabled venues
• No 3G cards or expensive routers and networking equipment needed
• Stay connected when you are away from the office
• No phone lines, plug-ins or dial ups

Commercial Hotspots

A commercial hotspot may feature:A captive portal that users are redirected to for authentication and paymentA payment option using credit card, PayPal, BOZII, iPass, or other payment service

A walled garden feature that allows free access to certain sites

Many services provide payment services to hotspot providers, for a monthly fee or commission from the end-user income. ZoneCD is a Linux distribution that provides payment services for hotspots who wish to deploy their own service.

Major airports and business hotels are more likely to charge for service. Most hotels provide free service to guests; and increasingly small airports and airline lounges offer free service.

FON is a European company that allows users to share their wireless broadband and sells excess bandwidth to outside users (Aliens). Since this may breach users terms of service, FON has agreements with many broadband providers / ISPs.

One of the companies is TravelNetCon - an international high-speed Internet HotSpot mediator. Boingo is another major provider of hotspots

What is a  Wi-Fi Hotspot?

To use a hotspot, your computer must be configured with a Wi-Fi-CERTIFIED radio,such as an external PC card or an integrated wireless LAN capability,as available with on laptops with Intel Centrino chipsets.You will also need to choose a wireless service provider,which works like an ISP to provide wireless Internet access for a fee.

Wi-Fi News :

MWeb has WiFi for Africa

BY STAFF WRITER , ITWEB
[ Johannesburg, 24 February 2009 ] - MWeb has released an Africa-wide solution that will allow customers to access the wireless Internet from across the continent.

According to a statement by the MWeb Africa Group, the solution has been made available to certain hotel owners, lodges, restaurants and cafés across Africa, and users can access it through a voucher purchase.
"Our WiFi service boasts a fully customised and brandable WiFi solution so that the hotspot owner can offer customers a unique experience by showcasing their brand on customised login pages, as well as the use of marketing material for the venue owner," says Harry Aucamp, CEO of MWeb Africa.

A solution of this type is popular in hotels, hostels and cafés across Europe. MWeb seems to be gearing for the influx of tourists to Africa for the Confederations Cup this year and the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The wireless package will be hosted over the company's VSAT (satellite), WiMax and WiFi infrastructures. "It also offers a hotspot owner the opportunity to expand their business revenues by attracting more clients to their core business," explains Aucamp.

"Our hotspot solution linked to our VSAT platform is ideal for lodges and businesses that may not have access to traditional fixed-line Internet services. With our wide satellite coverage to over 26 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, this product will fit well," he adds.

Education Wi-Fi Hotspots for free: