Do I have to sign up with an internet provider?

Question

Do I have to sign up with an internet provider to take advantage of the free wifi at locations such at starbucks, panera, library? Are all compatible with these free "hotspots"?? p.s. If so, I am open to suggestions on which provider to choose and money is a factor.

Answer 1

No you don't have to sign up with an internet provider. If the hot spots are genuinely free then you just need a laptop (notebook) with wi-fi, that's it!

Answer 2

---The company that has the wireless interface is who has the account. If it is an unsecured connection, then you won't need login information. A WiFi connection is unsecured unless you put in a password to access the network and understand that if it is unsecured, your leaving yourself wide open for attack, especially if on XP or Vista that, in the hacker community, is known to have open ports for persistence with Updates and DRM.  

Answer 3

If it is really free - then no you don't have to sign-up with one.  Just open up your computer and connect to the network

However, some of these free wi-fi hotspots require you to purchase something, and then you do need to sign-up with the provider at that location.  You should pick a provider that provides coverage in the places you go the most.

Many of them provide "roaming" but charge you extra for it.