# Internet access in public places, how does it work (cost, functionality, etc.) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 27, 2005, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789 "2005-05-27T18:19:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/1 "2005-05-27T18:19:54Z")
I’m talking about places like coffee houses, and the like, that advertise high speed internet access. Do they just give you a data line that you plug into your laptop, and then you’ll have DSL access exactly like you do at home? Do they charge for this service? Do these establishments generally have enough outlets for everybody who wants to use one, so you wouldn’t feel bad for using one for a couple of hours, or are the outlets in short supply? ---
**Author:** ![citybadger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/45deac/32.png) [@citybadger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/citybadger)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/2 "2005-05-27T18:24:09Z")
wireless: specifically the 802.11b/g standard ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/3 "2005-05-27T18:33:52Z")
Yes, wireless. When your laptop detects the wireless network, you get a signup screen (unless they’ve decided to provide free access) where you can enroll in their service plan. Typically $30-40/month for nationwide coverage with the same provider. Starbucks, for example uses T-Mobile which lets you connect to any T-Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot in the country. Other places have similar plans. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/4 "2005-05-27T18:53:30Z")
I’ve never worked wireless. Is there something I need to have on my laptop, before I can do so? In these establishments offering access, is it usually wireless only? ---
**Author:** ![citybadger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/45deac/32.png) [@citybadger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/citybadger)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/5 "2005-05-27T18:57:14Z")
> [@Spectre of Pithecanthropus](#): > > I’ve never worked wireless. Is there something I need to have on my laptop, before I can do so? Yes. Newer laptops usually have this built in. Older ones need an add on card ($40 or less). I doubt if most places would have a place for you to plug in. Note that airports & hotels usually have wireless networks too, but often these require payment. ---
**Author:** ![nivlac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3bc359/32.png) [@nivlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nivlac)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/6 "2005-05-27T18:59:31Z")
> [@Spectre of Pithecanthropus](#): > > I’ve never worked wireless. Is there something I need to have on my laptop, before I can do so? > > In these establishments offering access, is it usually wireless only? Yes, it’s usually wireless only, or you have to use one of their wired workstations. All you need is a wireless adapter for your laptop, usually costing about $25. Watch out for the prevalent rebates and you might even find one for free! ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-access-in-public-places-how-does-it-work-cost-functionality-etc/305789/7 "2005-05-27T19:21:55Z")
> [@citybadger](#): > > Yes. Newer laptops usually have this built in. Older ones need an add on card ($40 or less). I doubt if most places would have a place for you to plug in. I presume there’s a quick way to tell on my laptop? I was recently issued a new one so maybe it’s got the component of which you speak. The reason I’m asking these questions is that we’re being let out of the office early today; I have to keep working just because I"ve got so much to get done, but at least I could find a nice cozy coffeehouse to hole up in instead of staying onsite.