Since we brought you news on just how speedy Wi-Fi hotspots are earlier this week, we’ve had loads of comments about the wireless points, comparing hotspots to mobile broadband, complaining about snail’s pace access and sounding off about different operators. Dive in now to see what’s got your fellow Electricpig readers’ respective goat.
Viper1f1c didn’t hold back his distaste for BT Openzone, saying, “I have a Starbucks card – but often the BT Openzone just doesn’t work. I hate it – and the staff know nothing about it. Not their fault, but I feel like I’ve been missold. I would never pay BT for Wi-Fi access.” He told us he had issues in Central London, specifically around Bond Street, part of the so-called ‘Wireless City’ which was talked up to us by BT’s own Ian Robinson.
Electricpig reader Gherkin, however, was more concerned about T-Mobile’s offering. “So, T-Mobile hotspots are actually 3G? In what universe does that make sense? I have a T-mobile mobile broadband stick, which also gives me access to their Wi-Fi hotspots. But they’re actually the same thing.”
Wi-Fi hotspots vs mobile broadband: which is better value
His comments come after we were told by T-Mobile that their, “…public hotspots are on T-Mobile’s 3G network, so should be ‘up to 4.5Mbps’.”
CJT pointed out that if you stump up £99.99 a year for The Cloud, you can get access at an InnKeepers Lodge, “effectively getting 12 months for the price of 10.” The Cloud also offers £9.99 a month deals for multiple devices.
Jane Jones was keen to draw attention to the fact that BT home broadband customers do get a good deal when it comes to Openzone access. “If, at home, you are on option 3 broadband with BT, you’ll get unlimited downloads at Wi-Fi spots,” she said.
BT promises Wi-Fi hotspot upgrade
When we asked whether Wi-Fi hotspots were a better deal than mobile broadband, Snow_blind said that he had stuck with Wi-Fi thanks to one major factor: “The only reason I stayed with Wi-Fi over 3G was because a direct 3G connection explicitly blocked SIP/VoIP calling, but on Wi-Fi is still usable…so long as the connection is not over saturated.”
And therein lies the issue. While Wi-Fi coverage may be good, our own research shows speeds at certain hotspots aren’t up to scratch, considering the numbers accessing them.
What do you think of Wi-Fi hotspots? Are they good value for money? Are speeds up to the high standards demanded by today’s modern web lover? Make sure you tell us now!
