wifi hotspots

obisghost · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:49 am Post subject: wifi hotspots

Hey folks,

for the geeks in the audience - I've recently discovered a sweet free wifi hotspot in Byron. Right now i'm enjoying my soy latte and free broadband internet access on my laptop at a cafe which i'll not name here (no free advertising and all that jazz).

all I need now is a tv with some Star Trek and I'm sorted.

UPDATE: There are now several cafes in town which offer wifi internet for customers. Just ask around - please don't PM me for details.

jim baker · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 13 Location: Mullum

Heeheh Nice one Smile

Kara

Hey there,

Can you let me know where the hot spots are in town? Am moving to Byron in 2 weeks, and need to make sure I can get access etc.. easily?

obisghost · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:55 pm Post subject:

G'day Kara.

I've sent you a private message with details.

Cheers

thelonghaul · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: australia

hey there,
i will be moving to byron bay within the next month and would love to have the address of that wifi hotspot. i could trade you for one in Port Douglas, where i am currently stationned, if you would like !

thanks !

obisghost · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:44 am Post subject:

mate it's a public hotspot. I just don't like advertising the business name here. Will send you the name.

frenchdisguize · Joined: 28 Jul 2005 Posts: 5 Location: brunswick heads

Isn't it just illegal ? my mate was connected for free and i think the owner of the cafe caught him.......thats bad mate.....bad

obisghost · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:48 am Post subject:

hejat · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

For those of you who might be planning to utilize the free broadband cafe in Byon Bay mentioned in these messages, be aware that management may have spent a lot of money promoting their free broadband service but they are sure not keen on you using it.

I lost my home (and landline) in Byron Bay in the June floods and after finding out about this access point thought this cafe would make a great base to work, pick up emails, etc while repairs were being undertaken. As a courtesy I have always avoided busy meal times and have always ordered drinks and food. I've seen several other locals and vistors doing the same thing. Its a great space. But it seems a lot of us have had problems there regarding two main issues:

1) Access to electricity denied.
While some days access to power is not a problem, on other days several of us have repeatedly been refused permission to connect to powerpoints because our power cords were "unsafe" in a public space (despite my own invariably being plugged in to a powerpoint under my table). However as from today I've been advised that the owner has decided that NO computer user may access power because "its our electricity you're using" and "its costing too much".

2) Access to broadband time limited.
Again, while some days broadband access time was unlimited, on other days I became aware that access often "failed" after an hour or so. I didn't think anything of this at first but started wondering if staff were controlling access after being told by one staff member one morning (when I asked if they could double check the connection) that I'd already "had an hour free" that day.

Its NOT free, not if you are purchasing drinks / food. During the last month I have averaged $9 to $30 per visit (its not a cheap venue by any means) which is a damn sight more than I'd pay at the local internet cafe. But I believed management's provision of broadband (and its promotion of that facility) as a sign that I and my computer and my money would be welcome.

So, if you decide to use this place (and its the only free public access point in Byron so you may have to) here are some hints:
1) recharge your computer before you go
2) keep your visit within an hour, and
3) keep your visit outside peak periods
4) ask staff if you can set up, and check at the same time that broadband is available.

obisghost · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:15 pm Post subject:

Just a quick reply - it's not the only "free" wifi enabled cafe. There are now two more.

I am surprised to hear about the power and time restrictions. i've never been questioned.

Thanks for the feedback hejat.

catalyst · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

What will the owners of these establishment do when they find GB's are being pulled through their accounts and paying customers are having slow access? Passwords/authentication/PAYG??

We will see!! Perhaps not the best info for public?

obisghost · Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

nobody here myself included have sought to encourage the illegal use of local hotspots.

All references to wifi locations have been made in reference to, and for the benefit of patrons.

It is easy for these establishments to protect their systems from abuse.