5/09/2008 at 10:15 AM
Tags: WiFi Week, WiFi, Free WiFi, Travel Tech (all tags)
It's WiFi Week, which means we're investigating the state of wireless internet on the road.
Today marks the end of our first-ever WiFi Week. We've examined wireless internet in the US and abroad, and we've even taken a look at how to get around internet censorship when you're on the road.
Of course we also had the full rundown on airport WiFi, including why some places have free connections while others charge. And if you're wondering about in-flight internet, we've got the full scoop on what to expect this summer right here.
WiFi Week 2008 may be a wrap, but we've already started thinking about next year's report. But you know we can't do it without your help.
We're always up for your WiFi stories, so send 'em our way or drop 'em in the comments.
Related Stories:
· WiFi coverage [Jaunted]
· Hotel WiFi Week 2008 [HC]
by pbb
5/08/2008 at 10:20 AM
Tags: WiFi Week, WiFi, Free WiFi, Travel Tech (all tags)
It's WiFi Week, which means we're investigating the state of wireless internet on the road. Today, getting online in anti-internet destinations.
When we covered the state of international WiFi on Tuesday, we didn't mention that not every country would give you access to the same internet. In other words, just because you've found a signal, you might not be able to do whatever you want online.
A number of countries limit certain sites and certain content. Among them are China, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Syria and Tunisia. Reporters without Borders maintains a list of "Enemies of the Internet" that includes these and six other nations. Myanmar famously shut down all internet access during anti-government uprisings last year.
What can you do when you need to log on and your connection is compromised? After the jump, some options.
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by pbb
5/07/2008 at 10:00 AM
Tags: WiFi Week, WiFi, Free WiFi, Travel Tech (all tags)
It's WiFi Week, which means we're investigating the state of wireless internet on the road. Today, getting online at the airport.
We've had plenty of luck picking up WiFi signals at airports all over the place. And just as often we've had nightmarish experiences, tinkering with settings and missing out on the chance to get online before departure.
The general trend in airport WiFi is toward free and open networks, as officials realize that business travelers will make their flight plans around which airports make them most productive. (Leisure travelers are starting to do the same.) And though there are still some holdouts on the East Coast, we're always adding airports to our free WiFi map.
We've got more on why airports go free and some workarounds for those airports that still insist on charging you after the jump.
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by pbb
5/06/2008 at 10:00 AM
Tags: WiFi Week, WiFi, Free WiFi, Travel Tech (all tags)
It's WiFi Week, which means we're investigating the state of wireless internet on the road. Today, getting online when abroad.
If the state of domestic WiFi is fantastic, the situation outside the US is still, let's say, developing. Depending on where you're headed, you could pick up a wireless signal instantly or struggle with your connection all trip long.
A little advance planning, though, can take care of some of your woes. To figure out the best strategies for taking your laptop abroad, we tapped our well-traveled contributors for their on-the-road horror (and success!) stories.
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by pbb
5/05/2008 at 9:45 AM
Tags: WiFi Week, WiFi, Free WiFi, Travel Tech (all tags)
It's WiFi Week, which means we're investigating the state of wireless internet on the road. Today, getting online in the US.
It's a good time to be a laptop-carrying Internet junkie. If you can't get online in America, you're clearing not trying very hard.
At the start and end of your trip, you'll have no trouble getting online at the airport, even if you end up paying for the privledge. And of course coffee shops and cafes have WiFi. Tons of other restaurants and even gas stations throw out free signals these days.
But you don't even have to rely on other people for your signal. With aircards and BlackBerries so ubiquitous, you might not even need to hunt down a hotspot. And isn't that a relief? A run-down of all your domestic connection options is just a click away.
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by pbb
5/02/2008 at 12:05 PM
Tags: WiFi, Free WiFi, Airport WiFi, Boingo, Deals, Cell Phones (all tags)
Big-time WiFi contractor Boingo, which handles net access at heaps of airports around the world, is now offering iPhone and iPod Touch users 15 minutes of free access at 28 of its US, Canadian and UK airports. The promo is currently only for Apple users, but the company plans to expand the free 15 minutes to Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Windows Mobile users soon.
What's the catch? Not much of one: You'll just see a 15-second ad before you're free to surf. Boingo is ramping up its mobile offerings, and the promo gives the company a chance to do a little market research. In our view, it's win-win.
In the UK, you can jump online at London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted as well as at Edinburgh Airport and a couple others. In North America, there are a couple dozen airports in on the promo, with BWI, HOU, IAH, JFK, LGA, ORD and YYZ among them.
Related Stories:
· Airport WiFi Map [Jaunted]
· WiFi coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: pouwerkerk]
by pbb
4/23/2008 at 10:15 AM
Tags: BoltBus, Buses, Budget Travel, Bus Reviews, WiFi, Free WiFi, Deals (all tags)
The much-hyped BoltBus starts its Boston service tomorrow, and in advance of the debut, the Boston Globe has a lengthy story about what makes the cheapo bus line worth riding.
Reporter Nicole Wong, who hated on Skybus in February, notes the similarities between the 'buses:
BoltBus said it got the idea of offering at least one seat per bus for a buck from Skybus, which priced at least 10 seats per plane for $10 until it went bankrupt and shut down this month. BoltBus doesn't view Skybus's demise as a warning...All 51 seats on all 12 daily buses scheduled through Sunday will cost $1 each, plus a 50 cent online booking fee.
Though the tickets are cheap, the service isn't, says BoltBus honcho David Hall. The company's flashy coaches feature an on-board safety video and toilets that actually flush with "blue swirly chemicals" and boarding is handled Southwest Airlines-style in groups.
All that said, early reviews have been mixed.
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by pbb
4/16/2008 at 2:30 PM
Tags: WiFi, Free WiFi, Airport WiFi, PHX, DEN, DIA (all tags)
Say it ain't so, PHX! The Phoenix airport, which we listed as one of the best in the US for WiFi, won't let you check out dirty websites while you're waiting for your flight. The airport filters web content in the terminals, a la Denver International.
Says The Rocky Mountain News, it's only one of a couple airports playing nanny for passengers:
A review of policies at two dozen of the nation's busiest airports found that DIA and Phoenix Sky Harbor are the only two that block content on their WiFi systems for travelers using their own laptops, according to [our] research.
As we told the author of the story, it's pretty ridiculous that the web is being censored while you can pick up nudie mags in the airport newsstand. (Though DIA should get some credit for making the WiFi free.) For more airports with free wireless, check out our handy map.
Related Stories:
· Web Surfers Makin' Waves [RMN]
· Denver Airport, Hotels Censoring the Web [Jaunted]
· Airport WiFi Map [Jaunted]
[Photo: cogdogblog]
by pbb
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