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Find A Hotspot |
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Search for a FREE WiFi Hotspot by entering any of the following details:
(just click search button to see all hotspots). |
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Newsletter |
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| Keep up to date with our expanding network of hotspots as well as WiFi news and product reviews |
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 End User
1. What is WiFi?
WiFi is short for Wireless Fidelity. It is a “standard” or “protocol” that allows a WiFi enabled device such as a laptop or PDA to connect to other computers or the internet using radio waves, similar to the way a mobile phone works.
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2. What is a Hotspot?
A hotspot is an area, usually in a café, bar, restaurant or hotel where users can switch on their WiFi enabled devices and connect to the internet.
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3. Where can I find a Hotspot?
You can search for a hotspot on the Free Point Internet Hotspot Search Engine
at the top of each page.
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4. What do I need to connect to the internet?
You will need to have a WiFi enabled laptop, PDA or other device like a
mobile phone. If your device is not WiFi ready, you can normally install
a WiFi or PC Adapter Card (also known as PCMCIA) or a USB WiFi Adapter.
These are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most computer retailers.
Alternatively, we can source one for you if you contact us
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5. How much does it cost to connect?
It’s absolutely FREE to connect. However, we do ask you to support the site owner who has chosen to provide the service for FREE to his customers and make a purchase while you are visiting the outlet.
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6. Are there any download limits?
No, there are no download limits on the service. Unlike other Providers, not only is Free Point Internet absolutely FREE to use, you can surf the web, email, chat, listen to music, watch videos and access your office network for as long as you need.
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7. Can I connect to my office network?
Yes. If you can connect to your office network using a dialup modem, then you can connect using WiFi. For security reasons you should consider setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Speak to your office IT Administrator for details.
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8. Is the service secure?
Although there are a number of security features built in to the service, because the service is provided as a public hotspot or access point and said to be “open”, the network is not secured in the same way that an office network would be. Therefore, users should be aware of a number of additional security tips available.
a. Ensure your firewall and antivirus software are running
b. When connecting to our service, change the SSID in your Wireless Network Connection utility to “Free Point Internet”. This will prevent others from accessing your equipment by using the “factory default” SSID.
c. When entering sensitive information into your web browser, look for the security symbols such as a yellow padlock appearing in the system tray or the web address changes from http:// to https://
d. When accessing your office network, you should consider setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Speak to your office IT Administrator for details.
e. Disable file sharing. On the Start menu, select Settings and then Network Connections. Find your Internet connection and right-click to select Properties. Under the General tab, uncheck File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.
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9. What’s the difference between 802.11a, b and g?
802.11 is the “standard” that allows computers to “talk” to each other without wires over radio waves or “spectrum”. The main difference in the a, b and g standards are the frequency and speed of throughput that they operate on.
a. 802.11b is the most common standard. It operates on the 2.4Ghz “spectrum” or frequency and can have speeds of transferring information at up to 11Mbps. It is compatible with all 802.11g equipment.
b. 802.11g also operates on the 2.4Ghz spectrum and can reach much faster speeds of up to 54Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11b equipment.
c. 802.11a operates on a different frequency of 5Ghz with speeds up to 54 Mbps. Because it operates on a different spectrum, 802.11a standard equipment cannot “talk” to 802.11b or 802.11g standard equipment.
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10. What do all the abbreviations mean?
Some of the more common abbreviations are:
AP : Access Point
DCHP : Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
GHZ : Gigahertz
ISP : Internet Service Provider
PDA : Personal Digital Assistant
SSID : Service Set Identifier
USB : Universal Serial Bus
VPN : Virtual Private Network
WiFi : Wireless Fidelity
WLAN : Wireless Local Area Network
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Site Owner
1. What are the benefits of becoming a Free Point Internet Hotspot?
The numerous benefits to the site owner include:
a. Attraction of new customers and ancillary spending
b. Increase in volume of customers at quieter periods
c. Increase in average visit length driving increase in average revenue per user
d. Increase in brand awareness and enhanced brand respect
e. Listing of your outlet (including map) on our Free Point Internet Hotspot Search Engine
f. “Zero-touch” equipment and remote system management
g. Generate ancillary revenue from the sale of WiFi adapter cards (we can supply)
h. The service has a new, rapidly growing market aged primarily between 24 and 35
i. You will be breaking into a virtually untapped market, thereby offering a crucial added service to your outlet before most of the competition
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2. How much does it cost?
| Free Point Internet Open Access Service |
Charge Per Site |
Daily Equivalent |
One-off connection & configuration fee
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£149.00 |
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| Up to 8MB Business Broadband |
£45 p / m |
ONLY £1.47 |
| Promotional Launch Pack |
FREE |
FREE |
| Free Point Internet Controlled Access
Service |
Charge Per Site |
Daily Equivalent |
One-off connection & configuration fee
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£225.00 |
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Up to 8MB Business Broadband
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£79 p / m |
£2.59 |
| Promotional Launch Pack |
FREE |
FREE |
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All charges are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate and are based upon
an assumption of a 12-month contract. Recurring rental charges are to be
paid by Standing Order.
It should be noted that a standard, standalone BT PSTN (telephone line)
is required for the operation of broadband. It has been assumed that this
will be readily available in each site. A standard 13-amp power supply is
needed within 2 metres of the telephone point.
All Broadband services are subject to the availability of service at your
local BT exchange point, but we can advise you of your status.
Additional fees may be payable for non-standard connection and configuration but we will advise you of any change prior to billing.
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3. How long does it take?
It depends upon the length of time needed by BT to configure your telephone line for broadband use, however, we would suggest that a period up to 21 days from ordering should be allowed.
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4. How will my customers know that I am a Free Point Internet Hotspot?
We will supply your outlet with a Promotional Launch Pack, free of charge, to advertise the service both inside and outside your outlet. Your outlet details will also be entered into the Free Point Internet Hotspot Search Engine so that WiFi users all over the country can search for outlets offering the service anywhere in the UK.
You can obtain further promotional material at a low cost by contacting us
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