Hi Guys
I am a lorry Driver and I would like to gain access to the internet via my wi fi enabled laptop. I have connected to the T Moble Hotspots in the service areas but it does not work. When I checked their website I found it a bit too expensive. Has anyone any ideas how to get a cheap service. Thanks.

Hello UK30000,

The wifi that is built into your laptop will most likely be a 802.11B or 802.11G network adapter. So basically to utilize that, you have to go to wifi hotspots that use the same protocol. If they have those hotspots in public places, there shouldn't be any charge for the service unless it's like an internet cafe and they have their hotspot password protected before you can use it. If you know it is a public hotspot (like in an airport) that uses 802.11 wireless routers to share internet access and you can't get the internet to work, it is most likely due to incorrect settings in your laptop.

Now if you are talking about getting internet anywhere you travel, for example, on highways, you will need to sign up with a service (typically through a cell phone company) and get an additional adapter that sends/receives those signals. The price for that type of internet will just vary on the internet service provider you choose.

I am not sure what is available in the UK, but in the US, I know Verizon and Cingular both have internet anywhere services for around 50-80 dollars per month.

Hope that info helps you!

Try these sites UK30000. Free WiFi sites are getting around.

Find Wifi Hotspots with myHotspots - Free Wifi Hotspot Locator - Over 6000 Wifi Hotspots
BT Openzone

LC

As the others recommended there are open hotspots.

Another thing to consider is if you have a contract mobile, most providers offer a pretty decent data plan so you can access the net over either GPRS or 3G you can then connect through your laptop with your phone acting as a modem.

GPRS is a little slow but more than sufficient for accessing email and the like.

Thanks for the help guys
Thats given me something to think about.