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Wired UK editor Recommends Boycotting Hotels that Charge for WiFi

Internet Access and Computers

Josh started this discussion 13 years 2 months ago

Boycott hotels that charge for WiFi, says Wired UK editor:
http://www.travolution.co.uk/articles/2011/10/07/5070/boycott-hotels-that-charge-for-wifi-says-wired-uk-editor.html

Speaking at Abta Travel Convention in Palma, David Rowan expressed his dismay at being charged €18 for 24 hours connection at his hotel, only to find the service was too slow.

He had to upgrade his WiFi connection by paying an extra €6. He said: “It’s like being charged to have a bath run then getting in and its cold. Then you’re told if you want a hot bath it’s going to cost extra.”

€18 for 24 hours of WiFi typically isn't a problem in hostels, but I thought the article was interesting.

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Scotch Argus

13 years

I don't think I've been to a hotel in the UK that gives free internet. Maybe there are some, but even more expensive hotels seem to charge, often an exorbitant rate. I can understand it however, as putting reliable wifi into every room is an expensive business if you have say a 10 storey hotel. Also many hotels cater in a large part for business travellers and expect them to just put it on their account. Normal people just go into the pub/ fast food restaurant next door and use it for free. In small hostels it's quite easy to put in a router and offer wifi, even if is only in the lobby or common room. People are happy as long as it's free.

If I was Mr Wired and had a definite need for internet I'd buy a mobile broadband dongle locally with a months access and use that instead - in most countries I've been to it's the most affordable option. Of course being a media type he probably uses an ipad, so a dongle wouldn't work.

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rjd1983

13 years

Search for Huawei Mi-Fi - it will work with your iPad, iPod, iMac, iAnything as it works like your normal fixed-lined, wireless broadband modem. Make sure you buy an unlocked one, and one that is GSM based (as opposed to CDSM) .

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Chrisibm

13 years

I am guessing that expensive hotels and hotel chains charge for WiFi because, as Scotch Argus pointed out, the clientele are either business travelers or wealthy enough where free WiFi is not a factor in their decision on which hotel to book. Budget travelers/backpackers, on the other had, do weigh free WiFi pretty heavily in their booking decisions, therefore a hostel/budget accommodation who doesn't offer free WiFi is really putting themselves behind the competitive 8 ball.

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Scotch Argus

13 years

The thing about wifi too (in my uneducated opinion) is that it is a technology that is quickly going to be superseded by next g (4g?) technology which will theoretically offer speeds up to 1gb/s. While that is a way off yet, there are technologies using mobile broadband already which offer greater coverage and speeds of over 100Mb/s. Putting in a large investment in setting up your hotel for wifi seems a bit pointless if it is going to hardly be used due to having been completely superseded.

Stayed at a hotel last night, offered 30 mins free and then £5 per day for wifi. I used a dongle that I pay £10 for a months access plugged into my netbook. Can't really understand the concept of taking a mifi around too, another battery powered device you have to charge up.

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Plakian

13 years

there are technologies using mobile broadband already which offer greater coverage and speeds of over 100Mb/s.

Haha - I wish! I have the fastest connection in the village - 8Mb/s!

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Scotch Argus

13 years

Haha - I wish! I have the fastest connection in the village - 8Mb/s!

The other day I got 4Mb/s and that was the fastest I've ever had. Mind you, that speed is enough to do everything I want to do. I think the infrastructure for those sort of super fast mobile broadband speeds is some way off in rural areas. Most areas of the UK outside the main population areas don't even get 3g, let alone 4g.

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