I have seen Marta's post on free wireless access in Rome, but wondered if anybody has experience of using wireless in other parts of Italy, if it is widespread, and how much it is likely to cost.

In particular, I am interested in Siena. I have a smallish if old Sony notebook, and a plug in wireless adaptor. I was considering taking it with me went I went to study Italian for 2 weeks partly to type up notes,partly to download Email for later reading, but mainly, if possible, to use Messenger or Skype to stay in contact with my beloved at home.

In the UK, I am always shocked when helping colleagues set up wireless home networks, how many "Open" networks exist. I am loathe to "piggyback" on some poor unsuspecting individuals signal, not only because of the dubious legality of it, but also because it is morally dubious.

any suggestions or comments appreciated.

Hi Tim,
Piggybacking is pretty common here in NYC, where we all live on top of each other. My computer usually detects about 10 other wireless networks when I am at home. Don't worry, I only use my own, fully paid for, strong and reliable signal!

I had a hard time finding the same situation in both Florence and Rome this past fall. What I did find, however, was that internet points that have wireless have no problem with you bringing in your own laptop and paying to use their wireless internet connection. It was easy and convenient for me.

I searched JiWire for you to see if there were any free hotspots in Siena, and only got a list of hotels that offer it, plus two other hotspots that may be internet cafes. Since Siena is a university town, I would imagine you will be able to find an internet cafe like I did; I would not bet on picking up any free hot spots, though.

Good luck, and if you do find any, let us know!

Hi Tim,

Please take a look at my blog entry titled, "Info about Internet Usage in Italy". I have a section WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity) that may be of assistance to you.

quote:

Originally posted by TimW:
In the UK, I am always shocked when helping colleagues set up wireless home networks, how many "Open" networks exist. I am loathe to "piggyback" on some poor unsuspecting individuals signal, not only because of the dubious legality of it, but also because it is morally dubious.

Actually there is a whole movement that take a very different view as to the ethics of sharing WiFi signals

Thank you 2Italy2 and beebee, both posts were very helpful.

There are several addresses in Siena, and I will try and find how much they charge - it may be a lot cheaper to log in and "Skype" than to phone home every day.

I really like the idea of FON (the wireless sharing), and if I could find a member in Siena, would probably join up and share my connection.