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This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots. This is mapping open Wifi hotspots. They are not the same. For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinit
by jjawssd 11y ago
This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots.
This is mapping open Wifi hotspots.
They are not the same.
For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinity wifi in the USA is not free.
For this to have any sort of credibility, there needs to be a discriminant filter mapping truly free vs open hotspots.
For me this current map is too noisy to be of value. Try using it for free internet, and you too may run into disillusionment and frustration.
- rgawdzik 11y agoYou are right. I already removed the xfinity hotspots. We'll be adding a feedback form into our web + mobile app so non-free or low quality APs can be removed.
- hmpc 11y agoYou can also remove all the "STCP | PortoDigital" networks in Porto, Portugal, which are WiFi hotspots in the public buses. Interesting map! (Disclaimer: I work for the company who implemented that network.)
- benbristow 11y agoAlso 'BTOpenzone/BT WiFi/BT FON' networks in the UK. Absolute rips as well for price.
- jjawssd 11y agoI suggest you allowing tagging of each hotspot and assigning some sort of label to each hotspot. Thanks! Some crucial filters: 1. Free vs Non-Free 2. Free time limit Some nice-to-haves: 1. Average bandwidth 2. Cost per unit time
- jjawssd 11y agoDon't remove them, just tag them and adjust tags based on votes. Also, always consider the threat of abuse.
- ux 11y agoThis kind of map actually needs some minimal classification. There are actually flavors between free and open wifi. For instance, how would you categorize a wifi in an airport which needs you to fill a random form/survey (not paying anything) to access the Internet? Same question if it is then limited to something like 10 minutes (and you then need to pay, or just trick on your macaddr/dhcpname/...)? In these case, you can actually access the Internet for free, but they are extremely annoying. Note: these kind of wireless network are actually very common in some places
- hkmurakami 11y agoId also want to know which hotspots I can actually use safely.
- nissehulth 11y agoNone, unless you use a VPN with an endpoint you trust.
- jjawssd 11y agoUse HTTPS or VPN to a secure endpoint.
- jjawssd 11y agoAlso consider setting a time-to-live for each hotspot. They come and go. Also mark 'expired' and 'verified' hotspots as such. Most will be unverified, of course.
- xobs 11y agoOne other level of classification that is missing here is "Free, but requires a local phone number." Oftentimes, the operator will send you an SMS with a one-time password, but they require a local phone number to send it to. Or they use your phone number to de-anonymize you, so it must be a phone number from their local country. When traveling, this makes these "open" access points effectively useless, unless you decide to spoof another person's MAC address.
- jjawssd 11y agoGreat point! I hate these kinds the most! Common on the Copenhagen metro
- nefitty 11y agoA quick burner phone purchase when traveling could help, no? I'm not sure how common they are in other countries but in the US prepaid disposable phones are available at almost any convenience store.