View Full Version : WiFi Access along AT
After completing two back-to-back masters degrees I will be job hunting during my hike (SOBO 2010). This necessitates bringing a small netbook along on the trip.
Can anyone tell me if availability of WiFi Internet access at businesses along the trail is fairly common, or do I need to carry my own wireless Internet card? Do any of the guides list WiFi specifically? I've got the Companion and the Data Book, and neither mention a word about it. The Companion does list places where computers are available, but nothing about Internet access itself.
The card would cost me around $50 a month whether I use it or not, so of course I would rather not get one if I don't have to have it. Plus I would have to sign a 2-year contract when I'll only need it for the duration of my hike. Where I live (Houston), WiFi is everywhere and I use a cable modem at home.
Slo-go'en
07-07-2009, 10:58
I use a PDA with Wi-Fi on the trail and found many hostels down south have thier computers on wireless which you can tap into. Many motels also have Wi-Fi and you just need to get close to tap into them, if thier not locked. Most McDolands have Wi-Fi, but you have to buy into it. The farther north you go, the fewer open WiFi networks you will find.
fredmugs
07-07-2009, 13:24
Check the ALDHA thru hiker guide. It does list trail towns where wifi is available.
You do not have to pay for access at McDonalds if you have an AT&T account. My experience at McDonalds is they didn't even know they had it. You have to be lucky enough to find the one employee who can tell you what the password is.
For some reason I always seem to have a connection in laundromats.
From a Blackberry standpoint I can tell you that Cingular sucks and Verizon seems to have way more coverage that any other provider.
hikingtime
07-07-2009, 15:18
Many coffee shops and most libraries have free wifi. Some libraries that didn't have wifi have computers you can use for free.
This is a good question. Hopefully the authors of the various publications will consider a more complete listing for wireless opportunities in trail towns.
Perhaps the moderator of this thread can pass this along to ATTroll.
Mrs Baggins
07-07-2009, 15:37
Most McDolands have Wi-Fi, but you have to buy into it. The farther north you go, the fewer open WiFi networks you will find.
Hmmm......I've used McD's wifi all over the US and overseas. The only time I ever had to "buy into it" was in Ft. William, Scotland. We bought a cup of coffee and that was enough to get in but there was a time limit. I've never had to get a password from any one. Many Burger Kings have it free as well. Many hotels have caught on to people hijacking their wifi from the parking lots and have started encrypting it. If a business (coffee shop, cafe, bookshop) has a sticker in the window that says "Free wifi" then it's free. But if the sticker shows a provider's name, like AT&T or TMobile for instance, you're going to have to pay for it.
buzzamania
07-07-2009, 15:39
I carried a blackberry storm on my most recent section and had spotty coverage but the wireless coverage was enough to warrant the weight. I was able to take pictures and video, call, text, upload pictures and browse the web freely while in my hammock each night. Loved it. Even if you carried an extra battery it would still weigh less than your netbook. I can't imagine a through hiker carrying even the smallest of netbooks. What does yours weigh?
hikingtime
07-07-2009, 15:48
If a business (coffee shop, cafe, bookshop) has a sticker in the window that says "Free wifi" then it's free. But if the sticker shows a provider's name, like AT&T or TMobile for instance, you're going to have to pay for it.
Good observation. You will save people time and money.
The only time I had wifi at McD's is when I had to pay $3 per hour through bongo or something.
I'll see if the field editors can ask in their respective trail towns which establishments have it.
Wise Old Owl
07-07-2009, 23:51
Traditional WiFi unlocked - very hard to come by on the AT....
Some phones have a new wifi that they can pick up from the towers and today I got several CNN video stories by cell phone with a earbud and watching the screen on a Nokia digital cell. I am still working on web pages on the same method. $15 a month on ATT above phone calls
Media Net offers real time weather radar while hiking!
fredmugs
07-08-2009, 12:25
Hmmm......I've used McD's wifi all over the US and overseas. The only time I ever had to "buy into it" was in Ft. William, Scotland. We bought a cup of coffee and that was enough to get in but there was a time limit. I've never had to get a password from any one. Many Burger Kings have it free as well. Many hotels have caught on to people hijacking their wifi from the parking lots and have started encrypting it. If a business (coffee shop, cafe, bookshop) has a sticker in the window that says "Free wifi" then it's free. But if the sticker shows a provider's name, like AT&T or TMobile for instance, you're going to have to pay for it.
McDonald's WIFI is provided by AT&T. Having AT&T for internet is how I knew they were in McDonald's to begin with. I certainly don't eat in them.
http://attwifi.know-where.com/attwifi/cgi/index?design=default
The Weasel
07-08-2009, 12:52
Many of the 'trail towns' along the AT are so small that they lack the fast food and Starbucks locations that have WiFi. It makes more sense to use the easily available computers at public libraries, some hostels/motels, and similar locations than to carry a notebook. Wilreless reception from some providers is problematic as well.
TW
max patch
07-08-2009, 12:53
As a practical matter I don't know how much job hunting you will be able to do on a thru.
I use a netbook as my 2nd computer and I wouldn't dream of taking it on a thru.
If you are really serious about job hunting I'd take a blackberry or something similar with cell phone technology to access the web.
Personally, I'd do the thru or the job search. Not both.
ragincajun
03-25-2010, 03:54
im thinking of bringing computer but before i can decide we need a response from someone who actually carried a laptop the whole AT hike with info on how many times and how often he could tap into internet free even if it means camping in woods 40 feet behind a hotel , hey maybe we need someone to be thr first and post accurate info with locations along way
As a person who just found a job, let me offer some advice: Finding a job is a job in itself. Sending out resumes is easy enough, it is being available for follow up phone calls, interviews , paper work, etc that really takes up the time.
As someone mentioned, doing a thru and actively looking for a job may not be an easily viable solution.
Good luck.
So your doing your thru hike and someone wants to interview you next week. What are you going to do? Run off trail and than automagically get travel to the destination and have a coat and tie ready to go in?
Sorry - doing a thru and finding a job at same time doesn't make sense even if you have two "Masters" degrees!
Cool AT Breeze
03-25-2010, 11:39
Keep all that tech crap off the trail, please.
Blue Jay
03-25-2010, 11:45
Keep all that tech crap off the trail, please.
Good luck with that.
Ron Haven
03-25-2010, 21:38
hikers,
I have Wi-Fi at all three of my motels in Franklin,NC
Budget Inn,Franklin Motel,Sapphire Inn
I also have computers too.If my guest are not using them,I will allow you to use them even if you are not checked into a motel in Franklin like if you just come in to resupply.
Blissful
03-26-2010, 11:43
im thinking of bringing computer but before i can decide we need a response from someone who actually carried a laptop the whole AT hike with info on how many times and how often he could tap into internet free even if it means camping in woods 40 feet behind a hotel , hey maybe we need someone to be thr first and post accurate info with locations along way
Why bring it? You're in towns every few days with access?? If you need it that badly and cannot use a smartphone for it, you may need to rethink doing a major hike and concentrate on the job or whatever you need it for (which is understandable). The trail is going no where. Like I'm a writer (so phones are impractical). I have no contracts right now (finished my last book this week). So the time is open for me to hike. if I had a contract or "job", the hike would have gotten booted.
saimyoji
03-26-2010, 12:05
hikers,
I have Wi-Fi at all three of my motels in Franklin,NC
Budget Inn,Franklin Motel,Sapphire Inn
I also have computers too.If my guest are not using them,I will allow you to use them even if you are not checked into a motel in Franklin like if you just come in to resupply.
you're the man Ron.....you should run for mayor.....:sun
BigHodag
03-27-2010, 10:33
Might look into an unlocked LG Incite ($150) for WiFi access. LG Incite also has built-in satellite GPS for wayfinding.
You can toss Skype Mobile on and use it for phone calls too! No cell plan needed.
Here's the LG Incite forum with details on hacks and mods:
http://www.lg-incite.com/
The Companion does list places where computers are available, but nothing about Internet access itself.
Actually the Companion lists dozens of places with internet access and wifi. Most of your libraries, larger motels and some hostels will have wifi, if not computer access.
Graywolf
03-27-2010, 17:02
Keep all that tech crap off the trail, please.
Agreed,,,heartedly..Tech is for the city...AT is for the Wilderness Experiance...
Graywolf
03-27-2010, 17:04
This is very interesting..What degrees you have??? Just curious...I am following a Bicycle Tourer on Crazy Guy On A Bike dot com, He is "working" his way across the US...He does all his work online, so when he gets to a campsite or a town where he can get WIFI he contacts his clients and office for a couple of hours work "online""" Sounds interesting to me...
This is very interesting..What degrees you have??? Just curious...I am following a Bicycle Tourer on Crazy Guy On A Bike dot com, He is "working" his way across the US...He does all his work online, so when he gets to a campsite or a town where he can get WIFI he contacts his clients and office for a couple of hours work "online""" Sounds interesting to me...
A bicycle tour is probably more conducive to this type of activity than a hike. Even something like the AT with its lower-case "w" wilderness, is going to be isolated enough where getting daily WiFi is going to be problematic.
I have no interest in getting embroiled in a "does electronics belong on the AT?" crap again..but, at least in 2010, daily (if not more frequent) Internet access is needed for job hunting. Bike touring? You hit a small town at least once a day in even the most isolated parts of the lower 48 (if not more). Hiking? Good luck getting reliable and frequent Internet access.
An additional wrench in the works is that the bike tourer mentioned above ALREADY has a job/clients/etc. He is not actively looking for a job.
Again, just speaking from personal and recent experience, *looking* for a job requires a lot of (electronic) time consuming paperwork: Responding right away to questions from perspective employers (sometimes a few hours apart), having phone interviews, followups, etc. etc. etc. And in this competitive job market, if you wait to do a follow up by even a day or two..well, you just might not get the job.
I wish the OP luck..but I think he'll find looking for a job and thru-hiking at the same time a bit more difficult than he imagined. He may have a bang up resume and experience that puts him head and shoulders above every one else [1], us mere mortals aren't so lucky.
I'd do one or the other. Kinda hard to do both.
[1] Not being sarcastic...there are a few blessed people who have people coming to them. My buddy designs chips for Cray computers..he takes 6 mos off every year and then people compete for him when he is ready to work again. Lucky SOB! :D OTOH, he puts himself on the market once he is done with the Andes, Canada, etc..not while in Canada, the Andes, etc!!!! :)
Agreed,,,heartedly..Tech is for the city...AT is for the Wilderness Experiance...
Not trying to sound like a smart a$$ or anything, but the AT isn't really wilderness. It's more like "in the woods".
I don't want to see pay phones or ATMs in the shelters or anything, but with all the resturants, hotels, stores, etc. either on or very near the trail I don't know why people get worked up over somebody wanting to use a cell phone.
bikebum1975
03-29-2010, 03:07
To be honest I am planning when I get the money saved up on bringing a netbook with me not so much for the net but to do some photoshop stuff on it But dont forget yoiu will still need a way to charge it the nly have a what at max maybe a 3 hour battery life? soi think maybe a small so;lar panel with you to specially if you take other electronic stuff.
After completing two back-to-back masters degrees I will be job hunting during my hike (SOBO 2010). This necessitates bringing a small netbook along on the trip..ETCETCETC.........
dear fellow hikers,...
Some of us ...enjoy the PEACE & SERENITY that the A.T. offers...
AWAY from the TECHNO-WORLD that we LIVE IN during our "regular lives"...
(i work w/ a MAC-based audio mixer & 4 other pcs performing my job!)
PLEASE be RESPECTFUL of other hikers wishes...to leave your tekkie gadgets OFF during your time in camp (shelters or tent sites,etc)...
i'll be section-hikin' Clarks Valley,PA up to Greenwood Lake, NY Apr 24-May 8 w/ "Jigsaw"...
without my laptop!
To be honest I am planning when I get the money saved up on bringing a netbook with me not so much for the net but to do some photoshop stuff on it But dont forget yoiu will still need a way to charge it the nly have a what at max maybe a 3 hour battery life? soi think maybe a small so;lar panel with you to specially if you take other electronic stuff.
With the amount of time spent under the canopy during a thru-hike, you will most likely find a solar charger almost completely worthless. I carried one with me on my thru-hike until someone lifted it off me while it was charging in the SNP. Solar chargers need direct sunlight, so the only time you can really use it is during a break, where it can just sit soaking in rays. When strapped to the outside of my pack, the battery in the device rarely gained any charge.
After my charger "walked off", I found that a simple USB cable w/ a small AC adapter was all I needed to keep my phone and MP3 player going. The USB cable allowed me to plug into Library and hostel PCs to transfer data and charge up. I used the AC->USB adapter when I could only find a power outlet. I found that charging this way was much easier and took less time. I could sit down at a library computer to check email, or sit down for a meal at a diner, and have a full charge by the time I was done.
I still had to carry the charger for my camera, because Canon doesn't want you charging over USB.. I guess.
Monkeywrench
03-31-2010, 07:32
Keep all that tech crap off the trail, please.
You mean stuff like silicone treated nylon fabrics, extruded aluminum and fiberglass tent poles, titanium cook pots, synthetic boot soles, etc., etc. ;)
Monkeywrench
03-31-2010, 07:36
After completing two back-to-back masters degrees I will be job hunting during my hike (SOBO 2010). This necessitates bringing a small netbook along on the trip.
Can anyone tell me if availability of WiFi Internet access at businesses along the trail is fairly common, or do I need to carry my own wireless Internet card? Do any of the guides list WiFi specifically? I've got the Companion and the Data Book, and neither mention a word about it. The Companion does list places where computers are available, but nothing about Internet access itself.
The card would cost me around $50 a month whether I use it or not, so of course I would rather not get one if I don't have to have it. Plus I would have to sign a 2-year contract when I'll only need it for the duration of my hike. Where I live (Houston), WiFi is everywhere and I use a cable modem at home.
I did not carry a netbook while hiking, but I had one in my bounce box. I didn't keep close track, but I'd guess WiFi was available in less than 20% of the places I stayed in town, though keep in mind that I didn't search it out, either. When WiFi wasn't available I used a tethered connection to my cell phone for 'net access. That worked really well.
Blue Jay
03-31-2010, 07:50
You mean stuff like silicone treated nylon fabrics, extruded aluminum and fiberglass tent poles, titanium cook pots, synthetic boot soles, etc., etc. ;)
You knew that was not what they meant when you typed that. People will always bring their addictions to the trail, be it cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or I-Crap. Expecting them not to do so is like expecting no rain for months or no bugs in Mass. Most people do not use them in your face and you can get away from those that do fairly easily.