Global Wi-Fi hotspots have surpassed the 100,000 mark according to a press release issued by JiWire. Many of these hotspots are independent, proprietary and uncoordinated.Meanwhile, cities around the United States are fashioning a coordinated effort to help its citizens become more productive in our increasingly mobile society. A few major cities that have recently announced plans for citywide Internet access include San Francisco and Philadelphia.
These plans center around providing free or low-cost Internet access via Wi-Fi. Citizens with a wireless-enabled computer can access the Internet via a hotspot.
What about Beantown? Well, the little-advertised Boston Main Streets Wi-Fi Initiative is up and running and delivering FREE Wi-Fi Internet access to the following four communities:
The Boston Main Street Wi-Fi Initiative website explains how to access FREE Internet in these communities.
Unfortunately, no information is available detailing the scope of the rollout to other communities or the timeframe for completion. Hopefully, it won't take as long as The Big Dig.
In the meantime several search engines are available to help you find a hotspot in a specific location. A few of these services include the following:
- Boston Hotspot Directory
- JiWire Hotspot Directory
- The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory
- Wi-Fi ZONE Finder
- Hotspot-Locations.com
- The HotSpot Haven
In addition, eating establishments such as Panera Bread (30 locations in Massachusetts) offers FREE Wi-Fi access. So, now there is no excuse for not being productive on your lunch hour!
