WiFi Hotspots are good value when you’re in town
Some coffee shops, fast food cafes or shopping centres attract travelers that own laptops or smartphones by offering free or low cost access to the Internet. Many well-known retailers such as McDonald’s and Gloria Jean’s Coffee shops are offering a WiFi service because it’s good for business.
WiFi provides a shared Internet connection over the air within 30 metres of the hotspot. Nearly all devices built within the last 4 years are fitted with WiFi, which is evidence of the system’s popularity.
Advantages:
- Reliable, cheap & pay-as-you-go OR FREE; and
- Safer than Internet cafes because you use your own device.
Disadvantages:
- You need your own laptop
- Need to be near a populated area
- Access is restricted to retail trading hours
You can locate hotspots anywhere in Australia using these two great websites:
http://www.freewifi.com.au/hotspot_listings.php
https://hotspot.internode.on.net/coverage/
Contact ACC’s Accessories Team for further questions or if you think you may need this option.
To learn more, check out these articles that review the most popular options to get online when travelling.
- Internet on the Road – Part 1: Search for important information and stay in–touch with family, friends or work
- Internet on the Road – Part 2: Wireless Anywhere 3G Internet (Dongle or Router)
- Internet on the Road – Part 4: Apple iPad is great for travellers
- Internet on the Road – Part 5: Smartphones are cleverer than ever
- Internet on the Road – Part 6: Internet Cafes provide low cost access when you’re near populations
- Internet on the Road – Part 7: Satellite access is for the serious outback traveller
