Verizon FiOS/DSL Customers Get Free Wi-Fi Across US 168
Glenn Fleishman lets us know that Verizon is finally offering nationwide Wi-Fi access to its high-speed Internet customers, long after Cablevision's similar service went live. While Cablevision is building out an in-house network of hotspots, Verizon is relying on a deal with Boingo Wireless — a strategy with both strengths and drawbacks, as Wi-Fi Net News points out. Neither Verizon's nor Boingo's announcement reveals the mechanics of how existing Verizon DSL and FiOS customers will get access, but an AP report spells it out: "To use a hotspot, the customer must install software that works only on computers with Windows Vista or XP installed. Phones, iPods, and Macintosh computers with Wi-Fi can't access the hotspots."
Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... (Score:5, Interesting)
"To use a hotspot, the customer must install software that works only on computers with Windows Vista or XP installed. ..."
How long until THAT is reverse-engineered? (And/or will it run under WINE? Is it a control app or something that goes into the protocol stack?)
Qwest (Score:3, Interesting)
Qwest DSL customers have free access to AT&T wifi hotspots, including at Starbucks and McDonald's. This is for anyone using Qwest's DSL connections, regardless of their choice of ISP.
Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client (Score:5, Interesting)
This is odd, because Boingo has an OS X client for accessing their service. If Verizon is using them as the provider, why would it be locked out?
Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client (Score:3, Interesting)
What is the Boingo software and why should I download it?
How can Boingo software not be required for my laptop, but Boingo software IS required for my "Wi-Fi enabled device"?
I thought the Boingo software just made it "easy" to find Boingo member networks, and to automatically supply your user ID / password. If it's possible to just scan for the network, and then log in with a username / password, why wouldn't I be able to do that with my WiFi capable BlackBerry and "Hotspot" browser?