This site is rarely updated. benbrophy.com is more up-to-date. - Ben
Free Wireless in Rozzie Square
I find the idea of universal free (well nothing's free, but tax-supported) wireless internet access really exciting. Boston is slowly taking steps in this direction, largly thanks to the work of city councilor John Tobin. The BostonWAG is great resource for information on wifi in Boston.
There is a Slashdot discussion about a cafe in Seattle that has decided to turn off their wireless during the weekends, because the laptop crowd doesn't spend enough money, detracts from the cafe atmosphere, and generally sits around the cafe way too long.
I often go down to the Emack & Bolios in Roslindale Square to get a Latte and do a little work over the weekend. Their coffee is just terrible, they get my business because of the WiFi. There are usually a few of us with laptops there. I try to be good custumer - buy coffee, smile, and don't sit around more than an hour- basic wifi etiquette. I'd be sad if they turned off their wireless, though I could always use the public library which also has free wireless.
But maybe I don't have to worry. The City of Boston has started implementing a plan to bring free wireless to all of Roslindale Village (aka Rozzie Square). They have an access point in Cutler Park already, so I could sit in Wapo Taco and do my work there. I'm not sure if Mr. and Mrs. Wapo would appreciate me sticking around for some surfing after my burrito, but it's possible. I hope the city is able to keep up with the program. It sounds like Philadelphia has a had a hard time with their wireless network.
I'm writing this entry in the Whole Foods cafe in Cambridge. No wifi here. I hope Cambridge starts work on some universal wifi soon.
Tags: wifi roslindale boston