FreeFi Tips

I'm delighted to see the FreeFi movement continue to grow as more businesses discover how profitable it can be and local governments find out what a great service it is to locals and visitors. Many cities can get free or discounted WiFi but even for businesses, a $100 router and $50-a-month cable connection can dramatically increase business. If FreeFi generates 10 $5 tabs a month it pays for itself. Beyond that, it's profit a business wouldn't have had otherwise.

Connecting at these places is another story. With some it's just a matter of letting your iPhone find the connection and choosing it. Others require a login. This is not to make your life inconvenient but usually to assure that usage is limited to customers and not people in the lost or next door. It speeds up your WiFi usage so it's a good thing. Usually the place that requires your email address will give you the option to opt out of promotional emails.

Some places offer paid service. While the idea is entirely fair, rates may not be so inquire before fork over your credit card.

Here's standard procedure to connect:

• Usually your iPhone will find WiFi for you. You can also go to Home>Settings>WiFi to manually start the process.
• If no lock is shown and the signal is strong you can usually just connect by tapping the router on the list.
• If there's a lock and you know it's the router of the place you're standing in, ask. They may just hand you a passcode.
• Some routers, whether locked or not, may have a login screen. If you're in email you'll be connected but will just get the spinning hyphen and no action. Open Safari and most likely you'll get the login page. Some login pages are not visible on the iPhone. Back when Caribou was iPhone friendly you could call an 800 number and connect. (Don't bother with Caribou anymore. Too many hoops to jump through.) If you're having problems ask at the desk about how to connect. If the place is a national chain they may have a support site you can connect to by Edge. They will be much more knowledgeable than the employees.

Always thank places for the use of their FreeFi by making a purchase, even it's it's a cup of tea or a bottle of water. Those who treat FreeFi as a right and are crass enough to use it without playing along will ruin it for everybody.