Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Verizon FiOS/DSL Customers Get Free Wi-Fi Across US

Posted by kdawson on from the windows-only dept.

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."

168 comments

  1. Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by NaCh0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Marketing Douche: Say, how about we offer mobile internet access that won't work with mobile devices.

    PHB: Great idea!!

    1. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by ILuvRamen · · Score: 1, Troll

      You ever hear of this thing called a laptop? Some people like me have one. They even have build in wireless b/g/n. I think that whole laptop thing might really catch on and soon people will want wireless connections for their laptops when they're traveling.

      --
      Google's Super Secret Search Algorithm: SELECT @search_results FROM internet WHERE @search_results = 'good'
    2. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Sir_Lewk · · Score: 0

      Laptops with wifi are sooo 10 years ago. Ever hear of thing called a handheld wireless device (cellphone, pda, etc)? THEY are really catching on right now.

      --
      "linux is just DOS with a UNIX like syntax" -- Galactic Dominator (944134)
    3. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Dachannien · · Score: 1

      I thought a "Marketing Douche" was what one used after lying to one's customers for the umpteenth time, to get rid of that "not-so-fresh" feeling.

    4. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by commodore64_love · · Score: 2, Funny

      If only I knew what WiFi was. Is it anything like SciFi? Does it come with my AMD K5 laptop, or do I need a separate device? Does it work anywhere, or only in certain locations like coffee shops?

      Aside-

      Other "free" things we privileged members of Verizon get include access to espn360.com and disneyconnection.com. Try to contain your excitement.

      --
      "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
    5. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Svartalf · · Score: 3, Insightful

      This is Verizon you're talking about here. They have this control thing- and moreover, if you're using a Cellphone/PDA, you're supposed to be using their more expensive EvDO service you know... :-D

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    6. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      you're supposed to be using their more expensive EvDO service you know... :-D

      You mean the crippled "internet" service that you can't use for anything other than e-mail/web browsing and VPN?

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    7. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Miseph · · Score: 1

      Hey now, you can also peruse Verizon's walled garden of cherry picked non-free-as-in-beer content. that's cool too, right? Right?

      --
      Try not to take me more seriously than I take myself.
    8. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      That depends on whether you're using a PDA phone or not...but yeah...they want you using THAT instead of WiFi... :-D

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    9. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Zontar+The+Mindless · · Score: 3, Funny

      I think they actually mean "WyFy", don't they?

      --
      Il n'y a pas de Planet B.
    10. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

          Really?

          I've done all kinds of neat things over it. That was a few years ago, so things may have changed. When I was in cities, I had great speeds (like >2Mb/s). I could stream video, SSH, browse web pages, FTP, DNS back to my own servers. As far as I know, nothing was filtered. What couldn't you do?

          I drove the length of I-10 a few years ago, and had my laptop sending video and GPS data up to my web server, so friends and family could see where I was, and what I was seeing. Oohh, the excitement of seeing the West half of I-10. "Look, more dirt."

          It worked though. When I was in areas that provided EVDO, I was sending 5 frames per second from 2 cameras (front and back) which is what I had set up for. My frame rate went down to about 1 per minute when I was in the middle of nowhere, but that was a drastic improvement over doing the same trip about 5 years before. On the previous trip, I had Nextel, and their wireless card. From about San Antonio on West, the only time I had service on either the card or phone was when I was in a city. Even in big cities, I couldn't do much. The iDEN network is pathetically slow. I think my best frame rate was 1 every 15 seconds. For the entire Western half of the drive, people were calling and leaving voicemails, "Are you ok, we haven't seen any movement in hours."

          Unfortunately, ya, it's expensive. All I have now is a Boost phone now, and can tether it to my laptop. It's the same pathetically slow iDEN network, so I don't even bother attach it. Hell, sometimes it's hard to maintain a phone call.

          But, they're not offering mobile wireless service. They're offering hotspot service. That doesn't do you much good unless you pull into somewhere that is a hotspot. I guess if you know your town, you can find where the Verizon hotspots are and use service there. If I'm in my hometown, I don't care, I'll get online from work or home. :) There are enough places that offer free hotspot service, so I really don't care.

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
    11. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by JJJK · · Score: 1

      I guess so, it does sound less geeky!

    12. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Fred_A · · Score: 1

          Really?

          I've done all kinds of neat things over it. That was a few years ago, so things may have changed. When I was in cities, I had great speeds (like >2Mb/s). I could stream video, SSH, browse web pages, FTP, DNS back to my own servers. As far as I know, nothing was filtered. What couldn't you do?

          I drove the length of I-10 a few years ago, and had my laptop sending video and GPS data up to my web server, so friends and family could see where I was, and what I was seeing. Oohh, the excitement of seeing the West half of I-10. "Look, more dirt."

      A killer app if I ever saw one. A pity your remake of "The Hills Have Eyes" didn't work out, but better luck next time.

      --

      May contain traces of nut.
      Made from the freshest electrons.
    13. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by illumin8 · · Score: 2, Informative

      This seems like a really bone-headed move to me. I'm writing this post from an iPhone at a Cablevision wifi ap right now. Cablevision has consistently improved their service recently to compete with Fios. I just subscribe to basic cable modem, which is your standard $50 a month. Recently they increased the bandwidth to 20 Meg down, 2 Meg up. I really appreciate having good upstream bandwidth. For $10 more a month, if you really want, they'll bump you up to something like 30/5.

      I get free wifi all over the tri-state area and it works with any device. It basically just uses an open AP with an ssl user/pw prompt, so it will work with any device.

      I think once the novelty of "hey I'm getting fiber in my house" wears off you realize that you're stuck in a contract with verizon, and meanwhile your neighbors are getting just as much bandwidth over copper...

      --
      "When the president does it, that means it's not illegal." - Richard M. Nixon
    14. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by commodore64_love · · Score: 1

      Can I download this week's wrestling match from WyFy?

      My favorite show of theirs is "Scared Stupid" - when I watch it I can feel my IQ shrinking minute-by-minute. Or maybe that was "Ghost! Fakers!" ;-)

      --
      "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
    15. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by commodore64_love · · Score: 1

      P.S.

      This conversation reminds me of one of my former JCPenney coworkers. She was quite beautiful and tried to do all the "cool" things popular do. We were sitting in the break room and discussing various recent movies, then TV came-up and I said my favorite show was Star Trek TNG which I taped every week.

      She was quiet for a second and then almost-whispered, "I like to watch the Next Generation too."

      I thought it was funny. It was as if she was embarrassed to admit it! So fast-forward in time - I saw her recently. She's in her 30s, divorced, overweight, not beautiful, and not too happy either. She was looking at me as if she wished she had said "yes" when I asked her out, instead of blowing me off as "too nerdy" for her standards. And of course it's too late to date me now. If only someone would invent a time machine, so we could go back and fix our mistakes.

      --
      "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
    16. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by SkipFrehly · · Score: 1

      You mean the crippled "internet" service that you can't use for anything other than e-mail/web browsing and VPN?

      Right, yeah! That's the same service that mysteriously blocks out most content that, otherwise, would cost money to purchase through Verizon's terrible service?

      --
      So long, thanks for all the fish.
    17. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Gilmoure · · Score: 1

      Heh. Go back and Fix her mistake. Is that what you young people call it? In my day, we used to call it realigning her flux capacitor or, if she was really hot, aligning her main dish. Just sayin'.

      --
      I drank what? -- Socrates
    18. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

          It did make people very comfortable knowing where I was. My entertainment in it was in recording the whole trip one frame/min on the laptop, and then making a time lapse movie out of it. The night time portions of the trip were really boring. I tend to drive about 24 hours at a shot, only stopping for fuel and caffeine drinks, and then sleep a full 8 to 12 hours which generally left half the trip just showing road reflectors and taillights. I would take naps on an as-needed basis, usually for an hour at about 16 hours, and I left it recording. Still, when you saw dawn and dusk, and the flow of a 60 hours drive compressed into 5 minutes, it was interesting to watch.

          I got a frantic call when I stopped for a nap once, because the rest area was new, so the Google Map image showed me off the road, and I had parked facing off into the desert. All they saw on the front camera was desert with no roads. The rear camera had failed (it just died), and I was off the road by a couple hundred feet. It was a clear indication that I had crashed. :) The other times happened to be at well marked rest areas, truck stops, or they were so late that no one was looking from either end of the trip. :) I think people liked to watch for morbid curiosity than anything else.

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
    19. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But I can't. What is wrong with espn360 by the way? Isn't that actually a good thing?

    20. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by default+luser · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but Comcast is another matter. If all you want is internet, that's fine - they charge you $50 a month just like everyone else, and the speeds are fairly competitive (I saw 2MB/s downloads just last week). But the moment you want something else, you're going to pay through the roof for it!

      Take my example: I signed-up for Comcast's digital plus package plus Showtime plus internet five years ago for $110/month (this was the price after incentives ended). In the time since, I've not added any services, nor watched one new channel they've added, but somehow they've justified increasing my payment to $140/month.

      I ended-up calling the Comcast retention six months ago because I saw the prices for FIOS and about shit my pants ($110/month for my current level of service). After I got the run-around, and basically nothing to fix the problem, I told the service representative this: For a RETENTION service, you're not trying very hard. I told him, you can't beat Verizon at this if you're not even going to TRY. He responded by giving me a %10 discount and free Showtime for six months (back down to $110/month...for now).

      So this month, I moved into a new place, and I asked myself...gee, am I going to continue to put-up with that Comcast bullshit? Am I going to call the retention department every six months just to get a REASONABLE rate on my cable TV? Hell no! I signed-on with Verizon for one year (with a two-year price guarantee) at $115/month. I get the exact same level of service as my old $140/month Comcast, and I also get a DVR for that price (that level of service would cost me $155/month with Comcast). And if I need to bail, it's only a $175 early termination, so it's not exactly painful.

      --

      Man is the animal that laughs.
      And occasionally whores for Karma.

    21. Re:Man, I wish I could have been in that meeting by Bert64 · · Score: 1

      Both O2 in the UK and AT&T provide wifi access as an inclusive part of their iphone plans, i assume other carriers do the same... Why shouldn't verizon do the same?
      Wifi is a lot faster, and pulling out a phone to read something is much easier than using a laptop, even a very small laptop.

      --
      http://spamdecoy.net - free throwaway anonymous email - avoid spam!
  2. Sadly . . . by grahamsaa · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Neither this wireless service, nor FiOS, are available to users in many markets. Where I live we have a telephone company and cable company duopoly over broadband service. A little more competition would be nice. . .

    --
    Facts have a liberal bias.
    1. Re:Sadly . . . by zippthorne · · Score: 1

      Same here. Only the telephone half of that duopoly is Verizon, and I still can't get FiOS. Hows abouts they work on 'making their product available' before they waste money on 'making the product popular'. If you can't buy it, you won't buy it, no matter how great the deal is.

      --
      Can you be Even More Awesome?!
    2. Re:Sadly . . . by moosesocks · · Score: 1

      I mean.... Verizon's customers don't have very much choice in the matter either. We can get our phones/internets/TV from the cable company, or from Verizon.

      The bizarre difference is that, even though Verizon aren't exactly the cuddliest company around, they certainly know a thing or two about running a network. I received one of the first FiOS installations on the east coast, and the service has been absolutely fantastic since day-one.

      (On the other hand, I have nothing nice to say about Verizon Wireless, which remains the single nastiest entity I've ever had to deal with, beating out lawyers, airport security, and the DMV for the honor)

      --
      -- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
    3. Re:Sadly . . . by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

          I've been happy with service on FiOS, VZW phones and data. I was never satisfied with Verizon DSL though. I agree though, VZW can be absolute bastards to deal with. At least they're better than Sprint/Nextel who purposely conspire to assrape you. I had Sprint a LONG time ago. They overbilled me $300/mo and were bastards, refusing to fix it. I left them for Nextel when they were their own company. Things were fine until Sprint bought them. Then Nextel started overbilling me $300/mo and were bastards too/again. I left for VZW who were generally nice enough, until it was time to cancel. They became absolute bastards. "You're under contract". "No I'm not, I haven't been for a few years". "Yes you are, we put you under contract 2 months ago because we wanted to, pay up 10 months, and we'll let you out."

          I'm living the horror of prepaid phones now. Boost service is terrible. Texts disappear. Calls get dropped all the time. Sound quality may as well be two tin cans with cat clawing the string in between. At least they can't screw with my billing, and when I want to go somewhere else, I just don't pay them again. :) If any of the prepaids had decent data service (permitted or not) where I could tether my laptop, I'd go to them. Ha, unlimited cell with EVDO/3G prepaid. I wish. I'm not willing to sign even a 2 month contract for anything these days, knowing that any job I have may not be there tomorrow.

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
    4. Re:Sadly . . . by Jean-Luc+Picard · · Score: 1

      For strictly calls and SMS/MMS I've had good experience with TracFone

    5. Re:Sadly . . . by fprintf · · Score: 1

      Just to add my 2 cents, I completely agree. If you go on HowardForums @ http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=330 you can get all sorts of input on the phones and service. I paid $100 for one years service and 1300 minutes. At my usage that is approx. $8 a month and since I don't talk on the phone or text that much (I still have 900 minutes left with 5 months to go on the contract) it works out much better for me than a monthly $50 bill.

      With that said, I think my family is going to move to a Verizon family plan this Christmas. It is going to suck paying $100 a month (+ taxes and fees) for 4 phones with my work discount.

      --
      This post brought to you by your friendly neighborhood MBA.
    6. Re:Sadly . . . by RazzleDazzle · · Score: 1

      Try moving to Minneapolis

      --
      ZERO ZERO ONE ZERO ONE ZERO ONE ONE! Just brushing up for my next big invention: Ethernet over Voice (EoV)
  3. Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 4, 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?)

    --
    Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    1. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by interkin3tic · · Score: 1

      Being pretty ignorant when it comes to things like this, I have to ask what is probably an ignorant question: it was intentional that they made it work only with vista or XP? I thought it was just that they were too lazy to add support for anything else.

    2. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by digitalhermit · · Score: 1

      I'm of two minds about this.. Sure, it will probably be reverse engineered in a matter of weeks so no big deal. On the other hand, why should it be up to the community to do this? I think it's better overall that not a single iPhone, Mac, Linux or other device works on their network. That way they will ship a proper client and support it. If it's reverse engineered they can easily say, "We don't support that," and still get the benefit of subscriptions.

    3. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by Chyeld · · Score: 2, Informative

      Given the rich variety provided on this list of supported devices from Boingo, I would have to say that it must have been intentional douchebaggery on Verizon's part. (i.e. if no one uses the 'free' access, then Verizon doesn't have to pay for it)

    4. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by jc42 · · Score: 1

      I have to ask what is probably an ignorant question: it was intentional that they made it work only with vista or XP? I thought it was just that they were too lazy to add support for anything else.

      It pretty much has to be intentional. There's no shortage of off-the-shelf wifi access points that implement standard Internet protocols, and work with anything. You can walk into any Radio Shack or Best Buy outlet and walk out with one. If this isn't true for their access points, they had to have bypassed all the existing access points, and implemented new protocols that specifically require a Microsoft OS underneath. This is harder than just using standard off-the-shelf libraries, so it must have taken them some effort to implement it.

      --
      Those who do study history are doomed to stand helplessly by while everyone else repeats it.
    5. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      I assume it is their auth protocol which is special. My university's encrypted wireless network only works on Windows and Mac (they have an unencrypted one, too, so it's not really an issue). I sent an e-mail to the IT help desk complaining and got a reply that the person responding to my e-mail was also a Linux user annoyed at the setup.

    6. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by sumdumass · · Score: 1

      I was with you until I discovered that I would have to go to a McDonald's or a Starbucks in order to get service in my area. I don't see that happening so I guess I just don't care now. And yes, I'm a Verizon DSL customer.

    7. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by Haeleth · · Score: 1

      I think it's better overall that not a single iPhone, Mac, Linux or other device works on their network. That way they will ship a proper client and support it.

      I admire your optimism. Unfortunately history does not support it.

      A similar example that nearly bit me recently was ebooks. There's no Mobipocket reader for Mac, iPhone, or Linux, despite years of people clamouring for one (and a total lack of any technical issues preventing it).

      Either some companies are happy with 90% and simply don't care about 10% of customers, or Microsoft is leaning on people. It's probably just the former. All these cases involve markets with massive barriers to entry; established players don't have to worry about good service because there's no real competition.

    8. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by vintagepc · · Score: 1

      Interesting... Ours recently moved to WPA2, which works for all devices. But even before that, they offered a VPN client for Win, Mac, and Linux. (Mind you , the Linux one broke every time you did a kernel update, so I ended up switching to the (better) VPNC client.) Hearing all the horror stories, I realize I'm fortunate that my U supports Linux machines on their campus networks- Our networks guys know what they're doing. (That said, I still laugh to myself whenever a Windows user has to sign in to CleanAccess and update their virus definitions, etc.)

      --
      Evolution - Est. 4500000000 B.C. Don't piss in the gene pool.
    9. Re:Reverse engineering in 3, 2, 1... by hoggoth · · Score: 1

      Viktor, Sputnik, and Tor, is that you?

      --
      - For the complete works of Shakespeare: cat /dev/random (may take some time)
  4. So, in other words by Capt.DrumkenBum · · Score: 1

    it is completely useless.

    --
    If I were God, wouldn't I protect my churches from acts of me?
    1. Re:So, in other words by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not to folks who use Windows XP or Vista on their laptop. Yay for me!

    2. Re:So, in other words by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Heh... But what if you're not using a laptop, hm? There's quite a few devices that would have used this nicely enough, including WinCE devices that just won't be doing anything of the sort now.

      It's quite a bit less useful than they could have made it, regardless of how useful it might have been to you...

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    3. Re:So, in other words by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The term was completely useless. It's not useless to everybody. Hence, not completely useless.

      That it's less useful to some? I honestly don't care, there's a thousand things being advertised touting features I can't use, so what's one more to somebody else?

      When I bought an OLPC laptop, it came with a free T-mobile account. I used it like once, when I was staying at a hotel. Good deal? Not really, but not completely useless either.

  5. Included software count over/under by mustangsal · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Starting at TWO. You have to figure on at least a homepage change and a Yahoo toolbar.

    --
    1+2+1+1 || 1+2+2+1
  6. TCP stack crash included at no extra charge by mustangsal · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So now I'll have the Verizon Access Manager, the Boingo tool, several VPN clients... How long until it all crashes... How stable can it be if it only runs on...

    --
    1+2+1+1 || 1+2+2+1
    1. Re:TCP stack crash included at no extra charge by Anachragnome · · Score: 1

      If the announced service, and the associated software, is anything like the homicidal obstacle course they have for what passes as Customer Service, then expect it to be the use-it-until-you-have-to-deal-with-a-human disposable technology that most mass-produced electronics have become.

      It's great until it breaks, at which point it is tossed and replaced with the newest iteration of the same technology. Exactly as planned. Only thing different this time around is that they have integrated the strategy into SERVICE as well as physical products.

      Far worse when your locked in by a Machiavellian contract that renews when you ask for a copy of your bill.

  7. This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by davidsyes · · Score: 1, Insightful

    ALL OVER, or it has dumb-ass STUPID verizon marketing, legal, and ms/verizon/stupid-lazy-programmers/marketing-kickback dollars ALL OVER IT.

    Why can't these fuckwads operate within normal, existing, working, trusted, proven, os-agnostic protocols. These kinds of people deserve to be keelhauled, razor-wire-whipped, then possibly drawn and quartered. I wonder how many Apple and Linux customers of verizon would be compelled to buy a PC. This damned shit sounds like a trial balloon to lube and lure people into buying into windoze 7.

    Let's all barrage the various congress/senate/state public utilities authorities, even if we are not verizon customers. THIS SHIT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND.

    (Looking for a new gasket since the current one just blew...)

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
    1. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      ALL OVER, or it has dumb-ass STUPID verizon marketing, legal, and ms/verizon/stupid-lazy-programmers/marketing..........

      Show me, on this doll, where Verizon touched you.

    2. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't get what the problem is?

      --AC is then hauled off, his ass kicked, and a 17" Thinkpad is then shoved up his ass - the long way.

    3. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Heh... You'll get better results without the language... ;-)

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    4. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by elrous0 · · Score: 1

      I think you may need a vacation.

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    5. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I wonder how many Apple and Linux customers of verizon would be compelled to buy a PC.

      Not this one. However, I will be compelled to demand a reduction in my monthly bill, for being unable to use a bundled service, and, if no reduction is forthcoming, to start a class-action lawsuit.

    6. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by BitZtream · · Score: 1

      Why can't you make a post with your point that doesn't use mis-spellings of words that were tired and warn out 10 years ago?

      It was cool and funny when I was fifteen. It was old but didn't bother me at 20. 10 years later and now it just makes you look like a 15 year old.

      You can't really call it 'stupid lazy programmers' when they had to write more code to do it this way than had they used existing protocols since the OSes would already have the required code.

      Also, since they have an Apple client, and one for several mobile phones, before you start ranting, you should do a slight amount of research rather than assuming ANYTHING posted by kdawson has even the tiniest amount of truth to it. I'm pretty sure the only thing right in the summary is the spelling of Verizons name.

      --
      Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
    7. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by AndrewNeo · · Score: 4, Funny

      ALL OVER

    8. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      what are you talking about?
      he's absolutely right!

      now excuse me while i sharpen my pitch-forks and light my torches...

    9. Re:This is fucking BULLSHIT, and it has mshaft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      now excuse me while i sharpen my pitch-forks and light my torches...

      Meanwhile, I'm lighting my pitchforks and sharpening my torches.

  8. Re:Troll? by Svartalf · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's not an anti-Windows troll...

    If you use MacOS or Linux, it truly IS worthless. Moreover, it axes many useful usages, like a Nokia N770/N8X0/N9XXX mobile device, which uses Linux as it's main OS; and we won't get into the other WinCE devices which would have used it as well.

    It's a short-sighted thing they've done here. Seriously.

    --
    I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  9. Qwest by Phroggy · · Score: 2, 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.

    --
    $x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
    $x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
    1. Re:Qwest by falconwolf · · Score: 1

      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.

      Really? Currently I use cable my ISP gets through ComCast but they offer DSL through Qwest as well. Though I don't spend as much tyme there as I used to I could spend more tyme at Barnes and Noble which has ATT hotspots.

      Falcon

      --
      Should there be a Law?
    2. Re:Qwest by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Will it work on Opera Mini? Socket with wifi checked?

    3. Re:Qwest by Phroggy · · Score: 1

      I don't patronize Starbucks or McDonald's frequently, and don't have a wifi-enabled phone or PDA, so I have no idea.

      Surprisingly, McDonald's has recently introduced a burger that doesn't suck ass. Except for the cheese, but the rest of it is actually good.

      --
      $x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
      $x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
    4. Re:Qwest by Repossessed · · Score: 1

      According to Quest tech support you can use it without windows too (you need your username name and password). Haven't tried it yet though.

      --
      Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite (TM)
    5. Re:Qwest by Phroggy · · Score: 1

      It's just a web-based sign-on page, which works the same way as a ton of other not-quite-open wifi access points. Your wifi connection is unencrypted, they redirect all HTTP traffic to an internal sign-on page and block everything else, then once you've signed in they open it up and redirect you back to your home page or wherever.

      On some of these, you can gain Internet access without signing up, by tunneling IP over DNS, which sometimes doesn't get blocked. I expect these guys have thought of that, though.

      --
      $x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
      $x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
    6. Re:Qwest by Bert64 · · Score: 1

      You can also wait for someone else to log in, and then spoof their mac address and ip... Their connection will die and you will take it over, and they won't be able to reconnect.

      --
      http://spamdecoy.net - free throwaway anonymous email - avoid spam!
  10. Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by weston · · Score: 4, 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?

    --
    Tweet, tweet.
    1. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by kingrooster · · Score: 1

      They also have an app for almost every smart phone platform available.

      http://mobile.boingo.com/download/

    2. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by amiga3D · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Because it's Verizon? The only nice thing I can think of to say about Verizon is they aren't AT&T. I wonder why we can't have a decent wireless provider in the US. Must they all suck. Except for AT&T who swallow.

    3. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by palegray.net · · Score: 1

      Backroom deals with Microsoft.

      Posting from a Mac with my secondary display packed with terminal sessions into about a dozen Linux machines.

      --
      512 MB RAM, 20 GB disk, 200 GB transfer, five datacenters. $19.95/month.
    4. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by palegray.net · · Score: 1

      Funny, I've got an ATT wireless adapter that works just fine with Ubuntu. What are you doing wrong?

      --
      512 MB RAM, 20 GB disk, 200 GB transfer, five datacenters. $19.95/month.
    5. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, too bad you have to install some spyware shit just to use standard wifi.

    6. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I thought swallowing was a good thing

    7. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by $pace6host · · Score: 2, Interesting
      If this is just Verizon branded Boingo, then (from the Boingo FAQ):

      What is the Boingo software and why should I download it?

      • Boingo software turns the arduous ritual of logging in to Wi-Fi hotspots into a one-click love affair. The software automatically alerts you whenever youâ(TM)re in a Boingo hotspot and stores your username and password, so you can get online quickly and easily.
      • Boingo software is free!
      • Boingo software for your laptop is recommended, but not required.
      • Boingo software for your Wi-Fi enabled device is required.

      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?

    8. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

      I was suggesting/thinking about Boingo solution for WiFi access abroad but if they allow their software and name to be abused like that, who knows if the "next version" won't be "Windows Mobile only"?

      Also if the software is modified, who knows what else is modified? What if it has some "extra" stuff not that easy to implement on OSX, Linux? You know, like spyware...

      IMHO if you got a good flat rate offering, better go with 3G anyway. It is designed for outside usage from ground. Even your phone battery will thank you.

    9. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by itlurksbeneath · · Score: 1

      Maybe it isn't. Maybe two thirds of the people on this page are ranting about something that a reporter left out of the article by omission and are too lazy to verify themselves. Maybe Verizon left it out of their press release (they are prepared by PR people, after all, not techies). Stranger things have happened. This is /. after all and we are talking about humans here.

      --
      Have you ever considered piracy? You'd make a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts.
    10. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by Bakkster · · Score: 1

      That's because Verizon's client is just for generating the authentication. It's a backwards system (why not just give subscribers a Boingo account?) but it's why the Verizon system is unique.

      --
      Write your representatives! Repeal the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics!
    11. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by $pace6host · · Score: 1

      That's because Verizon's client is just for generating the authentication. It's a backwards system (why not just give subscribers a Boingo account?) but it's why the Verizon system is unique.

      I'll have to try it out and give a report... Wonder how well it will work in a VM - I hate installing anything from a service provider directly on my PC (funny, it was Verizon DSL that first made me feel that way!)

    12. Re:Windows only? Boingo Has an OS X Client by Bakkster · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I need to see if there's a way around this to get it to work on my EeePC 900, since it doesn't really behave with XP/Vista.

      --
      Write your representatives! Repeal the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics!
  11. Uh guys? about that iphone/ipod thing... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/boingo-mobile-comes-to-the-iphone-ipod-touch/

  12. No FIOS here, but... by jeffb+(2.718) · · Score: 1

    ...if I downgrade my broadband speed by a factor of 5-10 from cable, and downgrade my OS to one of their supported honeypots, there'll be some areas where I can get free WiFi. Yay.

    1. Re:No FIOS here, but... by virtual_mps · · Score: 2, Insightful

      ...if I downgrade my broadband speed by a factor of 5-10 from cable

      You have a 300Mbps cable connection? What market is that in?

    2. Re:No FIOS here, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, unless you pay a ton, you'd get substantially better connectivity. I pay $100/month for a premium TV package plus 20Mbit down, 5Mbit up FIOS. They're not kidding either -- when downloading a 7GB file from Steam I averaged 22MB (not Mb, MB) per second.

    3. Re:No FIOS here, but... by jeffb+(2.718) · · Score: 1

      You have a 30Mbps DSL connection? What market is that in?

      In the ten years since I first got DSL, I think Verizon may have improved their physical plant enough to offer me 1.5Mbps down (instead of the 768Kbps down I had at the time, with 16Kbps CIR). RoadRunner came in at 3Mbps, I believe, and they're up to 12Mbps burst and 7Mbps sustained now.

      Oh, and verizon may be planning to roll out FIOS somewhere in my state sometime in the next few years, but if they are, they aren't telling anyone.

    4. Re:No FIOS here, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Haven't you heard of the new technology? My router can go 380mbps!!!!!!

    5. Re:No FIOS here, but... by bemymonkey · · Score: 1

      Hmmm, why is DSL lagging so far behind in the US? Over here in Europe, ADSL2+ at 16000/1024 (sustained if the server has the upstream...) kbps is pretty much standard, and there's hardly any places that get cable as an alternative. It seems like DSL has become the economy-option over stateside... how come?

    6. Re:No FIOS here, but... by jeffb+(2.718) · · Score: 1

      Don't know for sure. Several possibilities:

      • People here are more spread out, and longer runs yield lower peak rates.
      • Having deployed an earlier DSL rev (1? 0?), and faced with low expectations, telcos are less eager to roll out higher-speed versions.
      • The regulatory climate here provides little incentive for improvement.
      • Our telcos are instruments of Satan, and Europe is a more secular environment.
    7. Re:No FIOS here, but... by anamin · · Score: 1

      I think above poster is referring to DSL.

    8. Re:No FIOS here, but... by virtual_mps · · Score: 1

      yeah, the OP used the silly "put something important only on the subject line so the body lacks context" method of posting and I missed it.

    9. Re:No FIOS here, but... by LearnToSpell · · Score: 1

      CV is offering 101/15 in my neighbourhood... $45 a month.

      --
      Haida Manga
  13. Buy one for your friend, use the WiFi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You could pay a small part of the fee for someone who lives in the area where it is available in exchange for him letting you use the WiFi.

    Of course, not feasible for everyone. But I think it might work for some in case the WiFi is worth anything.

  14. Not even on linux?? by Tippu · · Score: 1

    So you cant access with Linux too. ( Im new to linux and I love it, and i dont know if there is way). It sucks man!!

    1. Re:Not even on linux?? by amiga3D · · Score: 1

      Well there's virtualization or Wine maybe.

    2. Re:Not even on linux?? by oakgrove · · Score: 1

      Worst case scenario, like my sibling post said, you can virtualize. Just use a usb wi-fi dongle and attach it to the virtual machine. There's probably some way to share the connection out to the host OS. Unfortunately, I don't know what that is.

      --
      The soylentnews experiment has been a dismal failure.
    3. Re:Not even on linux?? by SamsLembas · · Score: 0

      SOCKS server. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOCKS

    4. Re:Not even on linux?? by Locke2005 · · Score: 1

      Sure you can... just carry around a Windows netbook along with your Linux laptop. Turn IP forwarding on in the netbook and connect the two via an ethernet crossover cable... Voila! Linux can use the free WiFi! As a bonus, you can use the netbook to view all those websites that only work with IE...

      --
      I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  15. verizon fail by antiquitas · · Score: 1

    i despise any company that installs its own thing that infects itself into pre-existing programs, like Comcast into Internet Explorer. one more reason to go Firefox. and Linux for that matter.

    1. Re:verizon fail by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Open-source, the solution to everything to mindless corporate-hating numbskulls - who don't even know why they say what they do. Good job.

  16. No software needed for AT&T customers by linuxguy · · Score: 2, Informative

    AT&T does the same for their broadband customers. Free wifi at McDonald's, Starbucks and many other places. The biggest difference is that you do not need any specially dumb software to connect.

    Verizon on the other hand require particularly dumb software that works only on limited set of OSes and according to this: http://forums.verizon.com/t5/Verizon-at-Home-Blog/Verizon-Brings-Free-Wi-Fi-to-Millions-of-Broadband-Customers/ba-p/59727;jsessionid=51BB9F7245B9EA45C39F3F2F9A5DB41D#A76

    sits in the background and continuously scans for a Verizon wifi hotspot. Who comes up with these brain-dead ideas to slow down customers' computers?

    BTW, I am a Verizon FIOS customer and I tried to place a comment on their blog entry, linked above. I could not do that, even after I logged in using my Verizon credentials. They kept asking me to login. But I am already logged in, you dumbasses. Sometimes I wonder how is it that Verizon can stay in business. These people are utterly clueless. And dont get me started on their "customer portal". A bunch of monkey can put together a better user interface than that. I sometimes have to use it to pay bills/update credit card on file etc. And I cringe at the thought of ever having to use it.

    1. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by NovaHorizon · · Score: 1

      Sometimes I wonder how is it that Verizon can stay in business.

      Because people like you will continue to use their service even though you have many complaints.

      go figure. A company with a client base that refuses to switch providers can stay in business :)

      --
      Defective Logic
    2. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by linuxguy · · Score: 1

      I am a customer of their FIOS service. 50Mbps down/20Mbps up. For about $190/month with static IPs and no blocked ports. Nobody and I mean nobody can come close to matching this in Oregon. I hate Verizon with a passion. But there has to be another viable option in my area, for me to switch to. Unfortunately there is none. So I grudgingly hand over my money every month to these monkeys.

      The day a viable alternative becomes available is the day I say good riddance to Verizon.

    3. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by NovaHorizon · · Score: 1

      that's the sad part about the Rockies. The internet the the area really sucks.

      --
      Defective Logic
    4. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Same story here. I can't post a comment to their blog, but I used cookie blocking software that often interferes with SSO enabled sites.

      Are you also blocking cookies in your browser? I noticed the URL you posted has your session ID in it. This usually occurs when your browser doesn't accept cookies. So 1) Don't post URLs with your session ID in them unless you want people to access your account and 2) if you are blocking cookies, try enabling them globally.

    5. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by twmcneil · · Score: 1

      Hey! You're being pretty mean to the monkeys there aren't you?

      --
      "The ferrets, they're every where I tell you!"
    6. Re:No software needed for AT&T customers by nhytefall · · Score: 1

      I am a Verizon DSL customer... and this happens to be an excellent move. My laptop runs WinXP (oh noes, the HORROR), however, since I rarely need a wifi connection while out with it, the fact that I can now GET one without having to worry about finding an unsecured wireless connection and stealing someone's bandwith is a damn good thing.

      --
      0100010001101001011001 0100100000011010010110 1110001000000110000100 1000000110011001101001 0111001001100101
  17. Mac OS X works... by ghostis · · Score: 1

    TFA: "It's available for Mac OS X and Windows."

    --


    Computer Science is all about trying to find the right wrench to bang in the right screw. -T.Cumbo?
    1. Re:Mac OS X works... by Matthew+M.+McClinch · · Score: 1

      Verizon web site: "*Verizon Wi-Fi is available with select FiOS Internet packages and in designated locations only. The service requires Windows Vista or Windows XP 32-bit with Service Pack 3. Verizon Wi-Fi is not available on Macintosh, Windows XP 64-bit, or Windows 7 operating systems."

    2. Re:Mac OS X works... by palegray.net · · Score: 1

      is not available on Macintosh, Windows XP 64-bit, or Windows 7 operating systems.

      Until it magically works with Windows 7 after it's publicly available.

      --
      512 MB RAM, 20 GB disk, 200 GB transfer, five datacenters. $19.95/month.
    3. Re:Mac OS X works... by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

      I bet it will work under Windows 7 since Windows 7 does use the same driver model as Windows Vista. Oh perhaps, it won't pass WHQL test or something but obviously, these people are using a BETA OS already!

      Hell man, OS X user knows it and they don't?

  18. Level heads by intx13 · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Level heads, people, level heads. This is a report from the AP; neither Verizon nor Boingo have commented on the mechanics of the service.

    Verizon has little incentive to refuse access to portable devices or Macs or anybody else for that matter. They're probably not into Windows evangelism nor do they really benefit from offering a "free" service that nobody can use (roll out costs will trump usage costs for the near term and if the service isn't used it won't attract more customers anyway). Finally, Verizon is a major phone company and knows as well as anyone that mobility is the present and future. They're not going to ignore that segment.

    Similarly, Boingo, whose whole business is providing easy-to-use wireless access, would suffer from word-of-mouth. Furthermore, as other posters have commented, Boingo already has applications for many platforms, including most smart phones.

    Therefore I find it hard to believe that Verizon, with Boingo's consent as business partner is allowing only Windows XP and Vista to access their new hotspots. I'll wait until Verizon and/or Boingo make an official announcement before getting the ol' pitchfork out the closet.

    1. Re:Level heads by Svartalf · · Score: 3, Informative

      Oh, no... This is truly a Verizon gem.

      Here's the Link
      And here's the VerizonWiFi link for the service... :-)

      Verizon Wi-Fi is not available for PDAs, phones, desktop PCs or Macs.

      The software's only available for Windows and only intended for "laptops" right at the moment- they're not using Boingo's usual software, it's something special for Verizon.

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    2. Re:Level heads by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Arrgh... Boggled the link to the service webpage...

      Here it is, in unbroken form

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    3. Re:Level heads by intx13 · · Score: 1
      I stand corrected!

      Verizon Wi-Fi is not available for PDAs, phones, desktop PCs or Macs.

      Not available for desktop PCs? What exactly is the difference between a laptop and a desktop running Windows, except for form factor?

      This is an incredibly stupid decision for Verizon to make, and for Boingo to go along with. Bad business sense.

    4. Re:Level heads by palegray.net · · Score: 1

      Boingo isn't a knight in shining armor here, but they support Macs for their own stuff. It really is a case of complete idiocy on Verizon's part, likely couple with a healthy infusion of partnership dollars from Microsoft.

      --
      512 MB RAM, 20 GB disk, 200 GB transfer, five datacenters. $19.95/month.
    5. Re:Level heads by camperdave · · Score: 1

      What exactly is the difference between a laptop and a desktop running Windows, except for form factor?

      Well, the presence of a Wi-Fi interface for one.

      --
      When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
    6. Re:Level heads by Dragonslicer · · Score: 1

      What exactly is the difference between a laptop and a desktop running Windows, except for form factor? Well, the presence of a Wi-Fi interface for one.

      Yeah, because nobody makes PCI wireless cards...

      Not supporting any operating systems besides Windows makes them evil. Claiming to not support "desktop PC's" just makes them retarded.

    7. Re:Level heads by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Or USB dongle Wireless devices, for that matter.

      What they're wanting people to not do is cheat a bit and have one DSL/FiOS connection and then have somebody elsewhere (Other family members) DX an AP with a Cantenna or other high-gain directional on a home machine or router. Not that this will stop people from futzing with the setup anyhow...

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
    8. Re:Level heads by frederickroyceperez · · Score: 1

      Unless of course it's the old reverse psychology trick where they use the force of you're blindingly angry reaction to sneak in (while your blinded) switch your to do list around . Also become even more powerful ...

    9. Re:Level heads by camperdave · · Score: 1

      Yeah, because nobody makes PCI wireless cards...

      Sure it can be added, but your standard desktop PC generally does not have wireless capability out of the box.

      Not supporting any operating systems besides Windows makes them evil. Claiming to not support "desktop PC's" just makes them retarded.

      I don't know about "evil". Lazy perhaps. Ignorant and selfish, maybe. But evil? Not supporting an operating system is not the same thing as not able to function with that operating system. I bought a laser printer a few years ago that was "Optimized for Windows". I plugged it in, and started configuring CUPS, but got nowhere. I tried piping some text to the parallel port: no response. I booted up my emergency MS-DOS disk and echoed some text to printer. Again, there was no response. Turns out that it was a winprinter. Since when does "Optimized for" mean "requires". They lied to me. That's evil. (Fortunately, I was able to return the printer and buy one with a nice picture of Tux on the box.)

      --
      When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  19. Correct approach by RiotingPacifist · · Score: 1

    Obviously this is a stupid way to do it (sounds like they may just have an authenticated vpn run on the client), but what is the best way to implement this without opening up your clients to MITM attacks (both from fake hotspots and malicious hotspot owners)?

    A secured web gateway/proxy, seams like a solution that would work anywhere and would be pretty simple stuff for an ISP to setup. (explain https at the login page to prevent fake hotspots)
    enterprise WPA2 solutions may be even better (less overhead) and seams to work for eduroam (which worked a lot more of the time than my uni's cisco vpn solution)

    --
    IranAir Flight 655 never forget!
  20. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  21. well, this is useless by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    We are FIOS customers. Mobile devices have gotten good enough that we prefer to leave the laptops at home in favor of a pair of wifi-enabled smartphones and an iPod Touch. This "service" is therefore useless to us.

    It occurs to me that there is, therefore, still a market for hotspots at mom-n-pop establishments, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As long as the big monolithic companies keep shooting themselves in the foot like this, we'll continue to have choices, even though coverage may be somewhat spotty.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
    1. Re:well, this is useless by timeOday · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I spent last week fighting spotty WiFi at a conference in a hotel with no wired Internet. I really have to wonder how much longer anybody will tolerate reconfiguring their network access every time they move over by 50 yards. I'm tempted to speculate the days of WiFi are numbered, although I use it and like it at home.

    2. Re:well, this is useless by roc97007 · · Score: 1

      Anything can be done badly. I've noticed that establishments who hadn't already wired for internet are trying to make do with wireless, with varying results. The difference seems to be whether they've hired professionals to do a site survey and put in the proper number of repeaters, or just bought a consumer wireless router and put it in the office. Some places do better than others, but they all work better than a service you can't use at all.

      My Blackberry tends to collect networks as I travel. Sometimes I'll find myself surprised that my phone has joined a network at a hotel or restaurant, forgetting that I'd added it several months back.

      --
      Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  22. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  23. Re:This is IDIOCY has mshaft earmarks by davidsyes · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    ALL OVER, or it has myopic/corrupted/ignorant/insensitive STUPID verizon marketing, legal, and ms/verizon/stupid-lazy-programmers/marketing-kickback dollars ALL OVER IT.

    Why can't these geniouses operate within normal, existing, working, trusted, proven, os-agnostic protocols. These kinds of people deserve to be keelhauled, razor-wire-whipped, then possibly drawn and quartered. I wonder how many Apple and Linux customers of verizon would be compelled to buy a PC. This damned shit sounds like a trial balloon to lube and lure people into buying into windoze 7.

    Let's all barrage the various congress/senate/state public utilities authorities, even if we are not verizon customers. THIS MEGALOMANIA/MYOPIA/VENDOR-FAVORING SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND.

    (Looking for a new gasket since the current one just blew...)

    [[[ Is that a little better NAIOOWWWW??? CAN YOU HEAR ME NAOOOWWW??? ]]]

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  24. Re:You must have FAST FIOS to get this by Svartalf · · Score: 1

    Heh... That's if you're not already getting it. I'm already spending the cash (and a bit more than that...) for my FiOS service, so it's annoying to say the least that I can't take them up on the silly thing- all because they're Windows happy (and they are that...) over there at Verizon.

    --
    I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  25. Sucks for FiOS customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Boy this makes me sure glad I have ATT U-verse. Mine currently caps out at 18/2, but sometime in the next few months they are increasing that to 36/4, not that I will pay for that plan, considering I only have 6/1 right now, which is good enough

    I use the free, non-restricted, no-stupid-software-installing WiFi at McD's and Starbucks all the time, on my Linux laptop...

    Sucks to be a FiOS customer. Not only are they 5 YEARS behind ATT on this, but theirs sucks goat balls to boot!

    1. Re:Sucks for FiOS customers by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Only on the WiFi access plan deal. For everything else, it's a push. If I wanted, I could get 50/20 service from FiOS, but I think the ~$100/mo over what I'm paying for the 20/20 service I am currently getting isn't worth the extra speed lift for download.

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  26. Ex-boingo customer here... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I signed up for boingo hotspot access for airport use for about a month (a few months back). The only thing the Windows client gave (as far as I remember) was automatic sign-on. I had no problem using it at the airports (I could never get it to work at the Starbucks I tried) with my linux laptop - it just requires a manual login through the redirect page.

    It would be very strange (especially from Boingo's perspective since it reflects negatively on them) that this Verizon deal somehow magically managed to actively filter out Verizon customers on non-windows machines. And as mentioned elsewhere, I believe Boingo also has a Mac OSX client.

    PS - I don't trust any of those clients. I prefer to connect without requiring some unknown 3rd party software from a company I rarely hear about (positive or negative).

  27. MobileBroadBand? by ruckerz2k · · Score: 1

    Screw this, I'd like access to their Mobile BroadBand service. Maybe not as fast, but definitely better coverage.

    BTW, QWest has a similar deal with AT&T. As a QWest DSL subscriber I have access to all of at&t's hotspots.

  28. Re:Troll? by layer3switch · · Score: 3, Informative

    http://www.boingo.com/download-boingo.php Assuming this is Boingo network, I don't see how Boingo software can't be used within Boingo network. Currently Boingo supports from Windows XP, Mac OS X, Nokia N series, WindowCE, Blackberry, Android and iPhone/iPod Touch. Most likely Verizon partnership with Boingo is to include the Verizon netbook promo users for branding. I mean, even the most stupidest marketing idiots should be able to see the idiocy in supporting only Windows XP/Vista. I really really really don't want to lose my faith in humanity because of this...

    --
    "Don't let fools fool you. They are the clever ones."
  29. This won't sound popular but... by fortyonejb · · Score: 1

    Remember, Verizon Proper and Verizon Wireless are somewhat separate entities. It could be that Verizon Wireless threw a tantrum about mobile devices using the network, that means less money for their Mobile Broadband. Someone at Verizon somewhere is responsible for this "douchery". Its nothing to get surprised about, its pretty much business as normal at our lovely TelCo's.

  30. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  31. That's whyyyyyyy.....aye aye aye... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm a PC. :) *ba-bum-kssssh*

  32. Linux Guide: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    1. Download a Virtual Machine tool such as VirtualBox.
    2. Install a Windows XP virtual machine, set it to two network cards, one bridged to the WiFi network adapter, the other to a Host-only network.
    3. Install the Verizon software inside the virtual machine.
    4. Bridge the WiFi network and the Host-only network inside the virtual machine, so the Verizon-authenticated virtual machine will act transparently as a router

    Keep in mind this is all theory, but even on Windows when I see software that I DON'T want mucking around with stuff software has no business mucking around with (networking is a common one) I stuff it into a virtual machine so if it totally screws up the VM I just lose a VM and not the host. Most recently I did this with iTunes because I heard it was horridly slow but I had a gift card for it. It ended up eating my purchased songs and regurgitating them without tags and I had to contact support to get them back. When I was done with it I rolled back the VM and iTunes was no more!

    1. Re:Linux Guide: by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      It won't work.

      It needs access to the WLAN drivers to do it's thing- and there's no virtualization of those (yet) to be able to do what you're talking to.

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  33. Boingo on Linux by IGnatius+T+Foobar · · Score: 1

    Boingo isn't exclusively a Windows offering. Here's a link to Boingo's announcement of a Linux client.

    I just got FiOS installed last week, and let me tell you, it's just the most incredible thing out there. Fiber to the home, plenty of bandwidth, and the best digital television picture I've ever seen. It makes AT&T's U-Verse product look like a pathetic joke by comparison. Free wireless on top of all of that ... well that's just more delicious icing on the cake.

    --
    Tired of FB/Google censorship? Visit UNCENSORED!
    1. Re:Boingo on Linux by Svartalf · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but you'll have to use Windows to actually USE the Verizon offering. Boingo's providing it, but only on a rebranded deal that Verizon's providing the access software with.

      On the rest, I'd have to concur. I was one of the early adopters and I've been tickled with it ever since I got it set up.

      --
      I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  34. AT&T does this already by LihTox · · Score: 1

    I have AT&T internet at home and I get free access to their WiFi spots, most significantly at Starbucks and McDonald's.

  35. Apple dominates the $1000+ computer market by beej · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Their users don't need no steenkin' free wifi! They're all waiting for Apple to roll out $100/month wifi with the rounded corners!

    1. Re:Apple dominates the $1000+ computer market by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

      Well, you know why Apple smart phone using consumers instantly switched to iPhone? I mean the wise ones, not the ones going for style...

      It was the first ever smart phone perfectly worked and integrated with OS X and Windows, equal features. You still have to boot to Windows to update your Nokia smart phone firmware. In case you use OS X only, you end up using someone else's PC which you know you will be blamed for every kind of windows junk problem in the future. Hopefully Qt 4 powered Ovi Suite (for Mac) will change that.

      What if Apple rolls out a branded wireless service which will have excellent support for OS X, Windows and even Linux for an extra price? Will you blame the people buying it?

    2. Re:Apple dominates the $1000+ computer market by beej · · Score: 1

      What if Apple rolls out a branded wireless service which will have excellent support for OS X, Windows and even Linux for an extra price? Will you blame the people buying it?

      Just if the only difference is the rounded corners. :) And hopefully they don't go with AT&T, if you know what I'm saying.

    3. Re:Apple dominates the $1000+ computer market by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

      But as you see, rounded corners isn't the only thing. Apple has been and always will be a software company making their own hardware to run their software.

      As you see, good software support even matters on a lame "free wifi" thing. For example, best way to shock Windows users is, share a printer under OS X, install that 1-2 mb Bonjour to Windows host, use "add printer wizard". Trust me, they won't even believe it is setup and running after those 2 clicks. I personally did a needless "printer test page" since I didn't believe it, my own printer...

      As a foreigner I was suggesting Verizon to Americans as I heard good things about their data network and now they do this... Do you know what I think? Your market (if you are American) needs a good chapter 11 like the Vodafone JP. They made some real stupid decisions and went out of business, Japan govt. told Softbank to acquire it. Now Softbank is doing way better. Cell providers in USA should have a similar lesson.

  36. AT&T's Been Doing This by DavidD_CA · · Score: 1

    I don't know all the details, but subscribers of just about any AT&T high-speed internet service (DSL) can enjoy free wi-fi access at a number of their hotspots.

    This includes every Starbucks location -- which is basically every other block.

    Maybe someone who has the service can comment on it's openness.

    --
    -David
    1. Re:AT&T's Been Doing This by jheiss · · Score: 1

      Maybe someone who has the service can comment on it's openness.

      It's quite trivial, you browse to the captive portal, click the link for alternate logins, plug in your AT&T DSL username and password and you're set. I've used this for several years, it's a nice little bonus for having DSL from the mothership. Still works now that I've switched to U-verse as well.

  37. Panera Customers Get Free Wi-Fi Across US by formfeed · · Score: 1, Insightful
    .. so do customers of many small coffee shops and library. - And they are open to everyone. And they are Linux compatible. And you don't get tracked.

    I have had AT&T's free wifi for years, and haven't used it once: I rather work in a coffee shop than at McD. And I'd rather support a coffee shop or hotel that offers wifi to all of its customers, than one that participates in a subscription only net.

    I also assume, that using your DSL provider's "free" WiFi will help to make open hotspots disappear and lead to an internet, where you can't log on without positive identification and account login.

    Despite stupid scare tactics, there still is a a fair number of places, that see wifi sharing as a courtesy, and not as a threat to national security.

    Just google for it.

  38. I already get free WiFi by bennomatic · · Score: 1

    My neighbor's wireless is great!

    --
    The CB App. What's your 20?
  39. Don't dual boot for this junk by Ilgaz · · Score: 1

    Please, please don't dual boot for such idiotic companies. Get rid of them, find a better solution but DON'T dual boot.

    As long as someone says "oh well, I will dual boot", these idiotic companies and their managers bribed by MS will keep doing these shit.

    You are running a Unix 03 compliant OS with all networking technologies known to mankind are built in including the "server" counterparts.

    If Linux guys wouldn't have to dual boot and resisted this kind of junk, Linux would be in different position now on desktop. You know how companies kept releasing software for MacOS while Apple is in horrible shape? Mac users REJECTED to boot into Windows to run them.

  40. Word of mouth is huge factor on mobile by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just 3 names of software which reached amazing success just by word of mouth.

    Opera Mini, Fring, Nimbuzz

    Now they are really popular (Opera Mini is nr1), there would be some advertisements around but at the beginning, Opera Mini and Fring had no kind of advertising. Nokia "Download!" (and Ovi App store) still doesn't carry Fring even while it has high end certificates.

    1. Re:Word of mouth is huge factor on mobile by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, I've actually heard of one of those...

  41. My entire family are Mac users.... by BrunonurB · · Score: 1

    I have Fios 20/20. My entire family are MacBook Pro users, why should I pay the same for my internet service WITHOUT free WiFi as those who get free WiFi just because they run Windows? You can damn well bet I'll be calling every day and sending letters every day until I get a discounted rate for now being "allowed" to use all advertised features for some bunk reason. I would hope others in this situation would as well.

    1. Re:My entire family are Mac users.... by Jumper99 · · Score: 0

      why should I pay the same for my internet service WITHOUT free WiFi as those who get free WiFi just because they run Windows?

      So let me see if I follow your logic. Verizon offers something for FREE. No charge. Gratis. Since you can't take advantage of it, you expect a discount? So if you went to a bar offering free beer, would you ask for a discount on your beer since your kid isn't old enough to legally drink his free beer? Why would you expect a discount on free?

      You can damn well bet I'll be calling every day and sending letters every day until I get a discounted rate for now being "allowed" to use all advertised features for some bunk reason.

      So you again expect to get a discount for not being able to use an "advertised" feature, when the advertisement itself tells you the system requirments for use. So if I buy a game that says I need a high end graphics card and monitor to see the highest resolution, but I don't have one and don't want to pay for one, do I get a discount on the game?

      Yes, it sucks it's only for Windows (for now I'd imagine) but it's not like they are hiding the fact. It's also not like you are losing money on the deal. It's FREE. I swear it's like the folks who pay no taxes bitching they didn't get a refund.

      --
      The opinions expressed here are not mine, but those of these dang voices in my head.
  42. Re:Troll? by bluephone · · Score: 1

    I really really really don't want to lose my faith in humanity because of this...

    Oh, come on over, having no faith in humanity isn't that bad. Life's great when you are at peace with the knowledge that at least global warming will obliterate mankind now that we've managed to muck up nuclear annihilation by disarming.

    --
    jX [ Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler. - Einstein ]
  43. Re:You must have FAST FIOS to get this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    >with download speeds up to 20 Mbps or higher

    So is this the one case where you could use their "up to 20 MBps" against them?

  44. Doomed to failure by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This just wont't work! Several similar attempts in the UK have failed miserably with a huge waste of money. The problem is that using residential Wireless routers puts them too far from where most people would want to use them - in the high street or the city centre.

    Instead, the industry here has settled on 3G USB sticks. Not free, but not too expensive either (as little as £5/mo). The main point though is that they work much more predictably and reliably than hopping WiFi hotspots.

  45. It is... by Benanov · · Score: 1

    Except when you want what was swallowed back.

    (There. I took your dirty reference and either cleaned it up, or made it that much worse.)

  46. Like Cablevision's wifi ? by bogess · · Score: 1

    How is this like Cablevision's wifi service? Is it just because wifi appears in the name of the package?

    Cablevision only requires you to have Optimum Online service at your residence, the base package is fine no less, and an Optimum email address. You have to install no software.

    If your wireless connection manager shows you are near a hotspot, i.e. you will see Optimum Wifi in the list (or you can check their handy mapping tool, located here: http://www.optimum.net/MyServices/WiFi/ ), you click on it and sign in on your ipod/laptop/doozeyhicksus from the future tech world.

    --
    If a little knowledge is dangerous , I am probably lethal on a GLOBAL scale :D
  47. Still only Windows? by theillien · · Score: 1

    Apple may not own a vast majority of the computer market but they own enough to be important. Linux may still be considered a niche market but it has been around long enough prove its viability. Why then, are we still dealing with Windows-only services? Even if I didn't use Linux I'd be less inclined to use a service that insists on eliminating options by default.

  48. Come to France to see how to do it right by fgouget · · Score: 1

    Seems like US ISPs should come to France to see how to do it right:

    1. Distribute an ADSL modem/WiFi box for free to all your customers so they can benefit from WiFi in their own home. Use this box to provide extra services to your customers and to differentiate yourself from competitors. WiFi is but the first service; you can add: printer server, 100Mbps network switch, etc. but more importantly revenue enhancing services like pay-TV-channels, phone calls (to cell phones or international destinations), video on demand, etc.
    2. Let the user secure his WiFi network using WPA.
    3. Add a separate WiFi network that works as an open WiFi hotspot. There you go: millions of hotspots at no extra cost. No need to negotiate with every cafe or bookseller for the permission to install your hotspots; no need to pay them.
    4. Require one to log in on an SSL web page to gain access. This restricts access to only your customers, but using any device WiFi+web-capable: Windows, Mac OS X and Linux computers alike; iPods, phones, etc. No nasty software to install...
    5. Only allow customers who enabled their open hotspot to use other customers' hotspots. It's tit for tat and provides incentive to enable the service.
    6. Cap the bandwidth that can be used from the open WiFi hotspot (to 1Mbps, a small fraction of what your customers normally get, right?) so customers don't mind leaving it open.
    7. Give users of the open hotspot an identifiable IP address so there's no issue with the RIAA suing the wrong person.
    8. Let non-customers use your brand new hotspots to subscribe to your ADSL service and immediately get access to the net.
  49. Don't hold your breath! by Gonzo_Warrior · · Score: 1

    After spending over two hours with Verizon tech "support," I was told that my 3 Mb DSL account was "ineligible" for Verizon's free wi-fi service ... even though Verizon's wi-fi page says that the requirement is at least 1.5 Mb DSL (or 20 Mb FIOS). Forget about Verizon not hitting the right market, or limiting accessibility for non-windows devices: their incompetence in not even allowing a qualified customer to attempt to use the service guarantees failure!!!

  50. Wifi by fulldecent · · Score: 1

    I see a need for a standardized protocol over Wi-Fi that allows clients to exchange billing and authentication information.

    One implementation could be an open wifi that is sandboxed and can only access the wifiaccess.info domain which the router will serve, and net access is attained with PPPoE.

    This would allow standardized billing and access control, and individual Wi-Fi operators (you and me) could monetize their access and handle (weak) blacklisting. Also, all of these ATT, Tmobile, Starbucks pay-for-wifi APs could share hardware.

    --

    -- I was raised on the command line, bitch

  51. Re:This is IDIOCY has mshaft earmarks by davidsyes · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    So, my comment stripped of profanity gets modded flamebait by some dipshit asshole ms-fanboy/fangirl/fanthing, yet my comment filled with expletives (and marked insightful on the first go) is left to stand UNMOLESTED.

    (More proof that slash's moderation system should skew/curve mod things so that last asshole in line doesn't override/overshadow a general consensus. Just because two ppl mod something doesn't mean the last derogatory/downgrading mod should win, slash. If it's two, grade it a draw; if more, show the weights. Clamp down on assholes who have too much plastic in their rears or not enough of a real life under their belts.)

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  52. if it's only available to winDoze customers... by airdrummer · · Score: 1

    but not mac users, then i want a fucking discount on my fios, since i'm not getting the all the services...

  53. When do they plan on sending out the notices? by SpammersAreScum · · Score: 1

    The Verizon blog says: "We think the new WiFi service will be a real value for customers, and we're anxious to get their reactions - and yours." Well, dandy, Verizon. How about you ask me -- a Verizon FiOS customer -- for one! Thus far, I've not received an announcement from you in any way, shape, or form...