Free WIFI?

[deanalt]

One of the sales features used to get me to switch to Verizon FIOS was free WIFI at various hot spots.  I first looked at their list of hot spots in Los Angeles and was distressed to not see the airport LAX listed.   I also noticed that at least 90% of the locations were Starbucks.  I called about 5 of the non-Starbucks locations listed and found that every location said they had free wifi for anyone who wanders in, just like Starbcuks does.

So, I feel like I was badly misled by FIOS salespeople offering me free WIFI.  I called a verizon help person and they seemed pretty clueless, but suggested this was better because i would be using the secure BOINGO network, not sharing with the masses.  I called BOINGO and they said they had a contract with verizon but could not tell if their LAX location was permitted to them.  They said it seemed to be but they couldn't be sure.  They knew that T-Mobile users could use it.

First, of all, does anyone know if this free WIFI works at LAX?  Does anyone know if this is simply a FIOS sales pitch at its worst?  FIOS wants me to download software to use this and I am reticient to do so if it is not getting me anything for free that I can't already get, e.g., free WIFI at all Starbucks!

Thx

Deanalt

[deanalt]

Ok, I've waited patiently for about 2.5 weeks but I fear my post is now stale!  Does anyone have some info on my prior post about free WIFI that isn't free to everyone?

Thanks

D

[GaryDoug]

Just so you don't think everyone is ignoring you, I will reply with my extremely limited knowledge of Wifi. First of all I have not even installed any Fios stuff or tried it.  Of the few times I have used Wifi, once (pre-Fios for me) in the Houston Airport, I tried to use the "free" services but was unable to connect to any (too busy I guess). I was able to connect to a Boingo service that wanted money to use it. I didn't need it that bad. Perhaps if the Boingo service is free to Verizon Fios customers, that Would Be a Good Thing.

[lasagna]

Can't answer the question either ... but the performance comment from the tech is true.   I have used "free wifi" at airports before and it's usually pretty horrible, particularly in busy locations.   I have also used the "pay" services from Boingo (pre-wifi from Verizon) and can attest that in these circumstances they perform much better than the "free" services.     So, there is a precident for using the "pay" service if you have it available to you.

From what others have said, you need the software in order to be able to locate and attach to the Verizon services (or bypass whatever web frontend these services have in front of them which don't seem to take your verizon ID).    I haven't been able to test this personally since I have a Mac and the software is not available for that platform.

I don't think anyone is ignoring you here ... I just don't think anyone has any real experience with the offering yet.

[jumpin68ny]

I have used the free wifi at various airports around the country with success, meaning I can logon with my VZ WiFi ID and surf the internet.  I will admit the speeds do vary depending on where you are located to the Access Point and the number of users connected. It has nothing to do with the provider just the nature of wifi.  I did install the VZ WiFi program on my work laptop since that is the PC I would use this on.  I do disable it when I'm home or at the office but when I'm traveling it works well.  All I do is enable my wireless card and then a pop up box appears telling me to logon and I'm online.  I have traveling through LAX and did connect but it was a while ago.  Chances are if its a boingo hot stop, it should be available for VZ wifi.

[deanalt]

Ok, then I'll give it a try next chance I get (and report back).  Thanks for the input everyone.

[viafax999]

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@deanalt wrote:

Ok, then I'll give it a try next chance I get (and report back).  Thanks for the input everyone.

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To use the advertised free wifi you'll need to download and install the Verizon client.

I did that months ago, it's pretty bloated, and have never yet found aywhere that my laptop can connect to using the software.  Typically I just use the free services in airport and starbucks that demand no client overhead.

[deanalt]

It seems that your experience is the opposite of the prior respondent's.  Not sure what to make of it.  I'm mostly feeling that airports will be the only place I'd need it.  I didn't think airports had free WIFI, yet you suggest otherwise.  Are you talking about one of those frequent flyer rooms?  Actually, many airports have Starbucks, but i would imagine those don't have free WIFI, right?

Thanks

Dean

[viafax999]

Regarding your question about Verizon wifi service I said

To use the advertised free wifi you'll need to download and install the Verizon client.

I did that months ago, it's pretty bloated, and have never yet found aywhere that my laptop can connect to using the software.

That being said I've given up attempting to use it now.  I live in The Boston area where there is free wifi in a large part of the downtown area.  I know nothing about wifi in LAX however most airports are paid services.  I'm not that desperate to read my email so typically ignore them however do have access to company lounges so can get access there.

[prisaz]

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@viafax999 wrote:

Regarding your question about Verizon wifi service I said

To use the advertised free wifi you'll need to download and install the Verizon client.

I did that months ago, it's pretty bloated, and have never yet found aywhere that my laptop can connect to using the software.

That being said I've given up attempting to use it now.  I live in The Boston area where there is free wifi in a large part of the downtown area.  I know nothing about wifi in LAX however most airports are paid services.  I'm not that desperate to read my email so typically ignore them however do have access to company lounges so can get access there.

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Most of the WiFi available is at Starbucks in DC, which gives it to you free anyway. So I would not count it as a feature. Just a selling point. Union Station in DC it was useless. I no longer bother.