Cheapest WIFI Abroad

mbailey

What is the cheapest (and easiest) way to use WIFI while abroad?

At the moment where ever I am I pay to access the local network using my credit card, but I was would like to see if there are any cheaper options available?

I would like a PAYG service and not a monthly charge.

Most WIFI hotspots have roaming agreements with with other suppliers other than the many company hosting the hotspot.

For example in Sweden most places have Telia Homerun. This then would allow you to use BT Openzone to login.

I have looked at BT Openzone and it looks very expensive when roaming.

I have looked at Boingo Wireless and they offer a PAYG service which is probably good value in the United States, but else where in Europe seems to vary from 5 to 10p per minute plus the daily charge of £4.50. They offer a monthly subscriptions service for £20 per month, but I don't want to sign up to something like this.

Are there anyother options out there?

Garetha

Have you looked at Fon?
http://www.fon.com/en/

International free wi-fi - recently partnered by BT

Basically you use a special w-fi router which allows passing traffic who are registered with Fon to use a separate secure wi-fi signal on your router.
You then qualify to use any Fon wi-fi spots worldwide. There are 615,000 worldwide and a search facility on the website.

If you have BT broadband you also get access to BT Openzone points - which are at Airports, Motorway service areas, etc - I'm not sure about the international aspects of BT Openzone.
https://www.beta.bt.com/apps/openwifi/?com.bea.event.type=linkclick&oLName=link.searchresults&oLDesc=KB_602

mbailey

I have just signed upto O2 Broadband for 12 months, so changing provider is not an option.

It does suggest BT FON will be open to non BT Broadband customers in the future, but no dates when.

I can't find any info how BT FON and the BT Openzone link works when abroad. Some how I doubt you will be able to use international roaming using BT Openzone for free?

ManAtHome

Pretty sure BT are just partnering with Fon - if you have BT broadband, they can configure the hub to do Fon stuff (basically makes part of your bandwidth available to other Fonners). If other than BT, you can install (or at least buy) a Fon router - you then get overseas access to any of their hotspots.

Again with BT, you get (I think) around 400 minutes free access to openzone per month.

Fon shop link https://shop.fon.com/FonShop/shop/GB/ShopController

Garetha

ManAtHome wrote: »

Pretty sure BT are just partnering with Fon

Thanks for clarifying that - I've just checked and BT have invested in Fon and have a member on their board. So not owned by BT after all!

shona_2

Hi
I'm off to Switzerland with a teenager who's desperate to keep in touch with his friends... I know that the like's of Starbucks have a wi-fi connection you can use, but can anyone explain to me how it works -

do you pay?

Do I need to install any software on my Mac first?

Are there any other secure places I might use - known companies etc etc?


thanks

Shona

aerostar

For the person going to switzerland, others just put your country into the search box on the site.

The site is only a guide as there are many more free wireless access points available around the world.

If you have a hotel booked, have a look at their website and see if they offer free access.


http://www.hotspot-locations.com/modules.php?name=HotSpots&op=hotspot_query&hsl_countryhs=CH&hs_state=&hs_city=&hs_operator=&hsl_type=&search=Search


this gives a list of pay and free places, refine your search by putting in the town where you are staying.