How do I find HotSpots?

Several websites now contain lists or even maps showing hotspots.

They do not generally contain any information about how to connect. Many Access Points have been set to names like "SomeLAN Welcome - DHCP" which is telling you to go ahead and request an IP address.

Commercial for-profit wireless services have proprietary client software that can sniff out their server software and log you in automatically. Then their monitoring and billing software keeps track of your usage. It splits the fees with the local wireless access point operator.

Some for-profit CAPS are area-specific, like WiFi-Metro in San Francisco. Others are nationwide and enlist smaller CAPS to offer their server software and share the profits. Typical charges are $19.95/month or sometimes $1.99 per connected hour.

Some small municipalities not well served by their local telephone companies provide wireless Internet access, and large cities have considered spanning the digital divide by expanding free access in schools, libraries, and government offices to a wide range of public places if not the whole city (called a MAN or Metropolitan Area Network). Hot spots are usually limited to their public buildings like libraries, but some cities are expanding to parks and public spaces.

skyCAPS are Community Access Point Services based on a mix of technology, hardware, and software for management, monitoring, and billing recommended by skyCAPS.net, a subsidiary of skyBuilders.com.