Ways to Get Free Wireless Internet
- Panera Bread, Starbucks and Barnes & Noble all offer free wireless Internet. Over 1,200 of Panera Bread's stores provide free wireless Internet to customers. As of 2011, both Starbucks and Barnes & Noble offer AT&T Wi-Fi connections. Neither store requires you to use a special user ID or password to gain access and the service is completely free to use while you are in the store. Neither Starbucks nor Barnes & Noble currently has a time limit in place for usage.
- Many public libraries offer free high speed Internet. According to the American Library Association, 99 percent of public library branches offer free Internet and 82 percent offer wireless Internet access to the public. Check with the public library in your area to see if they offer free Wi-Fi. Some public colleges and universities may provide free Wi-Fi as well. Check with your local college or university to see if Internet service is available in the library or anywhere else on campus.
- If your BlackBerry, iPhone or other smartphone has an unlimited data plan, you can create a hotspot with your phone that your laptop can access. If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can quickly connect it to your cell phone without even removing your cell phone from your pocket. If you don't have Bluetooth capability on your laptop, you can use the USB cable that was shipped with your phone to create a connection.
- If you are in an unfamiliar area, the Wi-Fi Free Spot website can help you locate the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot in your area. The website lists numerous public hotspots that are inside hotels, airports, gas stations, supermarkets and chain restaurants, all of which offer free wireless Internet to patrons and visitors. There are also smartphone apps that do the same thing.