GL: Free wi-fi?

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

Here is a disturbing bit of news for cruisers. The current issue of eWeek, 
the computer and internet trade publication, reports that many communities are 
abandoning their plans for free wi-fi service. The costs proved much higher 
than anticipated and many internet companies have reneged on their promise of 
support. For example, Earthlink has dropped plans to provide free wi-fi service 
for San Francisco. In addition, internet service sellers like Verizon and 
Comcast have lobbied hard against free connection. True, there are still plenty of 
open hot spots in most municipalities, but the USA lags far behind Europe in 
providing universal wi-fi service.

Cruisers should remember that most public libraries and universities along 
their route provide free internet hookups. Coffee shops competing with Starbucks 
often provide free internet as an incentive. Most motels (but not the higher 
priced ones) usually offer free wireless internet. 

On a recent cruise up the Hudson and along the Erie Canal, I was rarely out 
of contact for more than a half hour at a time. I use a directional cantenna 
antenna that gives me about a 1/3 mile range using 802.11b. On one occasion when 
I couldn't connect from my boat to submit an article revision, I simply 
picked up my tiny 12" iBook, rowed ashore, asked for the nearest public library, 
and surfed the web.

Larry Z


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