Wifi & mobile in the US

Pammy

Hi,

A couple of questions.

I will be in Texas at the end of the month and need to use Wifi access.

What is the best way for to go about doing this? I am clueless about wifi so any advice would be appreciated.

Also I want to use my mobile phone. I have vodaphone but could or should I get a pay as you go out there?

Thanks

saintlyboy

Hi,

Wi-Fi is fairly common these days and you shouldn't have much trouble finding wireless hotspots over there but it depends where you are going (sticks vs city) and how long you are there for/how regularly you go back etc etc.

To use wi-fi you need a wireless-enabled device, usually meaning a laptop bought in the last few year, but this could also be something like a smart phone, IPhone etc.

Then all you need is to find a wi-fi hotspot. Some cities offer free hotspots but normally you pay. As an example, in the UK at Luton airport there is a BT Openzone wi-fi hotspot. You open your browser as per usual but instead of going to your homepage you are directed to the hotspot homepage where you are prompted to pay for wi-fi access, usually £x per hour or per 24 hours.

Once you have paid you can surf to your heart's content until your credit runs out or you move out of the hotspot.

As for the phone, number one I think your mobile has to be tri-band to work in the US and #2 the roaming rates will probably be ludicrously high so a PAYG handset mighht be a good idea if you will be using it a lot.

Bon voyage, oh, and "have a nice day"