Frustrating, isn’t it?
You need Wi-Fi, but you can never seem to find it when you really need it. And, even when you do, it’s not free. Here’s how to find free-fast, and safe wi-fi, wherever you go.
Use Your Own Connection
It’s not free if you’re paying for it already, but it’s free compared to paying for it outside of your home – log onto your cable provider’s hotspot access. Some providers, like Xfinity, have free wi-fi hotspots where you can log on as long as you have your username and password. All you need to do is log into your Internet provider and you’ll be connected.
Many cable companies are teaming up and offering blanketed coverage so you can log onto one hotspot and then automatically transfer it anywhere you go within the local network.
Ask Local Businesses
Your local business may provide free wi-fi. Just ask. In many cases, you can walk in, ask for the password, and they’ll give it to you. Now, of course, many businesses will want you to buy something in order to use the wi-fi, otherwise you’re freeloading. But, this doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. Buy a cheap cup of coffee to appease the owner, and then hop on the wi-fi.
If the business won’t give you the wi-fi password, ask a stranger if you can hop on the network. Most strangers are pleasant and will freely give up the password, especially if you chat them up first.
If that fails, you can plan it out to get free access before you go somewhere. Ask people online where they get free wi-fi and then grab the password or log on (if there is no password). For example, if you’re going to the airport, most places will offer free wi-fi for a limited period of time. Find out where the airport is and if there are any restrictions on using the access point.
If you have the global entry program, you can pretty much bypass security and get to wherever the free wi-fi is.
And, get to know which businesses offer free access. Big chains are more likely than not to have it, and less likely than not to bug you about using it. For example, McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, pretty much any big name bookstore, and Whole Foods will give you free access to the internet. Most of the time, you don’t even have to buy anything to get it, either.
Find Secret Networks You Can Latch Onto
Instabridge, and other network apps like Wefi, make it easy to find networks that aren’t readily visible by doing a simple discovery or search with your wi-fi radio on. Wefi has a free app for iOS and Android which can help you find these networks. You can also find secret wi-fi hotspots in places like electronics stores. These places need them for their own internal reasons. But, sometimes, they have a guest network that you can latch onto.
And, in airports, if you wander around in the premium lounges, you might be able to pick up free wi-fi. Think about places where free wi-fi should be, and then check out those places. When a business relies on it for customer service, or for internal operation, that’s a good place to look. When a business offers it as a perk or premium feature, that’s also a good place to check out.
Use Your Cell Network
This works well when you’re overseas or when you’re in an area where you’re not sure about the safety or security of the wi-fi hotspot.
Both Android and iOS devices allow you to turn your phone into a hotspot. Simply go into your settings and find the hotspot feature. Some phones call this “tethering” while others call it “hotspot. Regardless, what you’re doing is using your phone as a wi-fi base station.
This is the most secure option you have because you’re not relying on a 3rd party to protect your connection which, in most cases, they won’t. A free wi-fi hotspot is a liability in that sense.
Because many people are logging onto the network, you are sharing access with strangers. And, if you’re accessing email or your online bank, you never know who could be on the network snooping and trying to grab your passwords.
Most of the time, the traffic on the network isn’t encrypted, so, if you want to access sensitive information, you should always use your own cell phone as the hotspot. Logging on this way protects you because your connection is fully encrypted.
You can choose to share your connection with other people or you can direct connect to your phone and only allow yourself access.
Lewis Morrison enjoys writing articles for business travellers, something he has a lot of experience in. He hopes his tips help others as he gets his articles infront of a worldwide audience online.
