Where are Free WiFi Hotspots Available?

The future of wireless access may be leaning toward the free WiFi model, however. Many cities, communities, and even neighborhood groups have set up free WiFi networks or WiFi locations. This proliferation of free WiFi maps signals a change in the working dynamic of Internet access that may have profound implications. Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon for instance all have differing degrees of free public WiFi networks in development.

Most cities have a number of small retail venues, usually places where people tend to gather, that offer free wireless access. A smaller coffee house, for instance, may offer free WiFi in a bid to win customers from Starbucks. The competition to snag WiFi traffic is only now heating up, by many people believe the access should be available throughout major cities as a public service.

What are the Benefits of Free WiFi?

The benefits of free WIFI are varied. Free WiFi access allows people to telecommute from places they find more pleasant than the office. Studies show that some people are actually more productive under such circumstances. The giant step toward greater mobile freedom represented by the proliferation of free wireless access is, to a large extent, the next great communication revolution, one whose far reaching effects are only now being explored.

Broadband Internet access is slowly transforming the daily lives of Americans. Many urban policy-makers in the US already recognize that the degree of access the average American has to advanced and high speed telecommunications services will dramatically affect their role in the community. Consequently, community Internet projects are springing up all over the United States. These projects would treat Internet access as if it were a public utility, offering extensive wireless coverage at low monthly rates.

In Philadelphia, for instance, city leaders plan to cover the entire city with a gigantic "wireless mesh network" or wireless Internet service. This network would provide for a system of interconnected antennas placed on public buildings, street lights, and traffic signals. Each of these "nodes" will broadcast a broadband signal, which in turn will connect up with the other nodes and create a mass wireless Internet access expected to cover a range of 135 square miles at a cost of $10 to $15 million raised through private investment and bonds. No tax dollars, however, will be used in the project.

What Security Issues Do Such Wireless Networks Face?

The need for a wireless security strategy or policy has never been greater than the present. A strong and comprehensive wireless policy must be adopted at the early and conceptual stages of any wireless initiative. While it may not wholly eliminate the threats to 802.11bs networks, a proactive approach could put in place methods and procedures to deter and combat threats and attackers before incidents occur. By establishing a sort of "security model," rules and standards will be adopted as the network evolves and thus awareness will be raised about good security policies and proper usage methods and techniques as people are learning about the network itself.

The collaborative arrangement between T mobile Wireless and Starbucks represents a forward thinking arrangement that has successfully provided Internet access to millions of Americans who take advantage of the capability daily. In another ten years such WiFi hotspots will be commonplace and as vital as any other public utility.