How to use alwayson?

[willemvdm]

So I got 100MB free alwayson data from my ISP. Out of curiosity I travelled to the closest hotspot and fired up my laptop. Sure enough, an alwayson network shows up in network window. When I click on it, nothing happens. Doesn't ask for a user name or password. Other networks also show up that do ask for passwords when clicked on, obviously private business or personal wi-fi routers. Not going to enter my credentials there. I did not enter the hotspot providers business and was sitting outside in my vehicle. So I left again.

How does these hotspots actually work? Do you have to go and ask the permission at the establishment to use the hotspot? Do you have to make use of the establishment's services before getting access to the hotspot? Or were the hotspot I visited just not set up properly?

 

[bwana]

Typically if you launch your browser after you've selected the hotspot it will take you to a landing page. That's where you select your ISP and enter in your username and password.

 

[willemvdm]

Ok, my browser was already open. Will some day go down again and give it another try, by opening and closing my browser.

But shouldn't the network window have showed that I'm connected to the alwayson network, like it usually do when I'm at home? It showed no sign of any connectivity.

So in general it should be possible to use alwayson without having to ask for it and without making use of any of the hotspot provider's services?

 

[bwana]

Ok, my browser was already open. Will some day go down again and give it another try, by opening and closing my browser.

But shouldn't the network window have showed that I'm connected to the alwayson network, like it usually do when I'm at home? It showed no sign of any connectivity.

So in general it should be possible to use alwayson without having to ask for it and without making use of any of the hotspot provider's services?

I use a mac so ymmv but what I need to do is connect to the always on hotspot - there's no encryption on that so you won't see the username/pwd prompt there.

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi There,
I have used a few always on hotspots around the country.
Generally it always shows as connected and then when you open the browser you get the connection screen to input your username and password (if required).
Typically I never ask to use the connectivity. They put it up there to satisfy their customers and potential customers. If I am using one even if it is for a few minutes such as a cafe then I do order a cup of coffee if nothing else.

Regards

Tim