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    Connecting to fee based Wi-Fi Hotspots?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by lovespicyfood, Sep 11, 2005.

  1. lovespicyfood

    lovespicyfood Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry about this "newbie" question. I've done some research but haven't found the answer...

    I'm about to go on travel with my laptop and want to connect to some fee based hotspots at a couple airports, etc.

    My question is, can I login at those hotspot sites and enter all my information (credit card, etc) to activate service? Or do I have to pre-pay when I have 'net access already?

    TIA
     
    lovespicyfood, Sep 11, 2005
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  2. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    What airports will you be passign thru?

    I know that at my local PHL (philadelphia) I can just get to wifi provider site in the airport, enter info, pay by CC, and be up and running in minutes. (no prepay)

    All major airports in the US (I am guessing that's where you are) have websites (google them) that will provide you with info about services provided at the airport (shopping/food & WIFI)
     
    qwester, Sep 11, 2005
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  3. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    not sure if this is true at all fee based places, but the fee based places i've been to (starbucks, generic coffee shop, borders) work like this...

    turn wifi on and launch your browser. instead of your homepage, your browser will direct you to a page that you can pay/sign up for service.

    should be really easy. as well, different spots use a different pay service so signing up now/before your trip may not be helpful if different places use different services; i.e., it may be better to go through the sign up/pay process at the actual location.
     
    drumfu, Sep 11, 2005
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  4. Sept1967

    Sept1967 Notebook Guru

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    I just stayed at the Atlantis in Reno. "Fee based"

    When I connected to the network, the startup page was the sign up page. Entered info there, CC number, chose the plan I wanted, and it was good to go.
     
    Sept1967, Sep 11, 2005
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  5. daacon

    daacon Notebook Evangelist

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    Not to worry - most companies will always accept payment :cool:. I have connected to wireless networks at SFO and Seattle airports - paid on the spot (I think it was $9.00 + applcaitiable taxes for 24 hours).

    Entered my payment info (Credit Card) and picked a username and was good to go. Worked as adverstised.

    And as drumfu mentioned if you know where you are going it may be cheaper to pre pay and set up and account before hand

    thx...............dy
     
    daacon, Sep 12, 2005
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  6. lovespicyfood

    lovespicyfood Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all the replies! I figured they would make it easy for you to give them money! :)

    qwester: I'll be going through Burbank, Denver and Sioux Falls.

    Thanks Everyone!
     
    lovespicyfood, Sep 12, 2005
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