Mapping the Free Hot Spots

The City-wide WiFi network plans continue to develop for Boston. Ever. So. Slowly. The task force report over the summer offered some hope for the initiative's future, but nothing that has had real action so far. Brookline has approved plans that would provide WiFi to official services such as fire and police, free access in public areas, and low cost connectivity for residents. Framingham is also looking to implement a plan to provide WiFi access to residents. In Boston there are a handful of spots that you can pick up a signal without looking for someone with an unsecured network in their house beaming out to the street. Free WiFi spots can be found listed on a number of websites: the Boston WAG (Wireless Advocacy Group), Auscillate, and the Open Guides Wiki, among others. iLoveFreeWifi is mashing up information to plot out all the spots on a Google Map. The system relies on user submission – but a fair number of the spots listed on other sites are represented. A helpful map to check before you finish your cup of coffee and head out to connect at the next spot. Don't forget that the Boston Public Libraries offer free WiFi at all their branches.