Wireless Internet

1. Have a WiFi enabled device – a PDA, laptop, either with in-built or inserted (PCMIA) wireless hardware. You will need Internet Connection options changed away from ‘always dial BT Anytime’ etc., to ‘use any available connection’.

2. Be in range of a hotspot. A directory of WiFi hotspots is available at http://www.jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm. There are already hundreds of hotspots in the North East, many of which, such as pubs and McDonalds, are advertising hotspots on their premises. Secure wireless ‘hotspots’ such as corporate Wireless LANs do not appear to the user.

3. Click on the wireless icon from your computer's toolbar and select an option (known as an SSID), for example, "mycloud, Streetnet" from the available options.

4. Open your internet browser (an introduction page will appear) and click the 'connect' button.

5. You are assigned an IP address.

6. A new Pop Up window will appear, select the service provider of your choice (if you already have a WiFi service contract) or select the "Have voucher" button at the bottom of this new window. This window will then default to your service provider's usual login page and you proceed as you normal. At this stage corporate users would connect to their VPN.

7. Cloud offers a Pay as you Go option where users without a WiFi service account can buy an airtime voucher via credit card or via SMS with their mobile phone. However, unlike mobile phone vouchers, this runs for the given time period from the moment it is purchased.

Costs
Unlike GPRS, which is generally charged by the byte, WiFi access is currently charged by the minute, as with many home dial up internet connections.