Still not easy to connect...Connecting at your provider hot spots has proven to be difficult, specially for mobile devices. Here in mexico, you actually need a pc to connect to my provider's hot spots... first you need to find the hotspot (not always as easy as it should be) then, try to log in on a flash crowded screen, that my device doen not support, and finally, remember your caps-symbol-change every 3 months password, and you're in... until your device goes to sleep and have to start all over again.
I believe that is the hardest part for wifi... if it works as at home I might consider pay an additional fee for it.
Also, here wifi seems to be part of the solution for the digital divide, setting up a hotspot in small towns could help low income people get internet connectivity, but again, control is more important on those low income, scarce bandwith locations.
Re: Hot Spot HavenBut on most hotels, specially business class, WIFI comes with an extra charge... on the other hand, less expensive ones add free wifi as extra value. For sure, business class hotels know how to make you pay for bandwidth...
Re: Hot Spot HavenThere are different models and reasons for providing WiFi. For some venues it is a direct revenue stream, for some it simply adds to the customer experience, for some it brings in advertising revenue through sponsorships or other deals.
For hotels specifically, my experience is that the more expensive the hotel, the less likely it is to include WiFi. Needless to say, most hotels I stay at offer it free :). No idea if my experience is representative or just a fluke.
Re: Hot Spot HavenAgree with you on that. I've stayed at hotels where attwifi is offered, and if the hotel wants to charge me, I just log in with my ATT ID and get free access.
I don't like ad-based connectivity services; they usually have sucky bandwidth.
Re: Hot Spot HavenWow, busted on the free expectation. WiFi shouldn't be free, but if it is coming from a cable provider that already makes major bucks off me, I guess I was hoping it was a perk.
Just wondering why you think Wifi should be free. I'd like my cable TV to be free (it's not as if they don't have ads for the revenue that delay my ability to see the show). Heck, while we are at it, I'd like electricity and gas to be free.
Re: Hot Spot HavenHmm, good point - I don't want to be viewing ads, especially if they delay my ability to get at what I'm using WiFi to access.
Given that my cable bill is through the roof, I assumed Comcast was building in the cost of this WiFi stuff but maybe they are just covering their costs for buying 145 different ESPN channels.
For hotels specifically, my experience is that the more expensive the hotel, the less likely it is to include WiFi. Needless to say, most hotels I stay at offer it free :). No idea if my experience is representative or just a fluke.
I don't like ad-based connectivity services; they usually have sucky bandwidth.
-desi
There's no reason: It just is mostly free today.
It would be interesting to see how people would react if less free WiFi became prevelant. Not well, I'm guessing...
Just wondering why you think Wifi should be free. I'd like my cable TV to be free (it's not as if they don't have ads for the revenue that delay my ability to see the show). Heck, while we are at it, I'd like electricity and gas to be free.
-desi
Given that my cable bill is through the roof, I assumed Comcast was building in the cost of this WiFi stuff but maybe they are just covering their costs for buying 145 different ESPN channels.