It probably won't surprise you that I am a big fan of free public WLAN hotspots. The reason is simple: I love free or very cheap broad and wireless bandwidth. In most countries on our planet there are already a number of non-profit initiatives to build as many free hotspots as possible. On top of that, with powerful antennas some of these hotspots are (being) connected to create network islands that are growing like water lilies. From 12. - 14.09.03 freifunk.net organises the first freifunk.net Summer Convention in Berlin for all lovers of free wireless access. Be there or be square!
Today, many startup companies as well as all mobile network operators try to make money from offering commercial hotspots to existing and new customers. Their main target group are business travelers taking a rest in hotels that offer WLAN-based Internet access. However, this service usually isn't cheap. In Germany, 1 hour of WLAN access can cost you between 5 to even 9 Euro and you will agree that this pricing is not made for the mass market. As many authors have pointed out before me, WLAN access should be free to the visitors of public locations to make people consume more coffee, beer, room service or minibar contents while enjoying free net access. Location owners benefit while helping others benefit (through free net access), too.
Consequentely, I cannot imagine that the business model of commercially exploitable public hotspots is valid neither now nor in the future. That's why I have decided to get involved in the movement of creating and networking free public hotspots in Germany and other countries, too. As a matter of fact, hotspots are only almost free as we have to pay for access points (100 - 200 Euro), adapters (40 - 60 Euro) and DSL connections (30 - 80 Euro/month). But most people already pay for DSL connections and think about buying a router for their home network. And sharing the DSL subscription with your neighbour(s) does make sense, too, doesn't it.
Apparently, fixed line telcos want it, too. The German Telekom advertises the benefits for new DSL customers above all with "WLAN" in their TV commercials. By this Telekom actually encourages us to buy WLAN equipment, install it and open it to friends and neighbours. That's really cool and courageous because at the same time they are still believing in their UMTS investments. So, in my eyes WLAN is the number one competitor for UMTS networks because wireless broadband apps I will use with my WLAN-enabled Laptop or PDA and not with the mobile phone that does not even have storage capacities for the fresh mp3 files I downloaded at the bus stop. And sometimes I go the extra mile to the closest free hotspot to save money and time when down- or uploading private or business data.
So, let's create some grassroots competition for commercial hotspots and expensive UMTS networks by buying and installing WLAN equipment whereever we want. If you lack the necessary know-how just find someone who has it through Freifunk.net or other initiatives. Or, even better, meet us at the the first freifunk.net Summer Convention in Berlin from 12. to 14. September 2003. And if you want to enjoy the financial benefits of our planned purchasing community for WLAN hardware and DSL connections, send me an email soon.
