Working on Wireless Toronto

I am writing this post at a Lettieri on Front Street, sipping my coffee while I browse the internet for free on my Macbook. Yes, I just said free wireless internet. So while every Starbucks and Second Cup in the city have all signed deals with companies that charge exorbitant amounts of money for web access, and while Toronto Hydro talks the big talk about making all of Toronto a hotspot, Wireless Toronto has been making the internet available for the people, all for free.

Torontoist has a wonderful post on Wireless Toronto’s modus operandi, so I won’t repeat it all here, but in essence, WT is an all-volunteer group that gets local businesses to set up wireless routers for the enjoyment of the public. Users don’t pay a cent, and WT manages the registration and connection process. Wireless Toronto already has several locations across the GTA, and is actively searching for more.

This is such a wonderful service that I’d be willing to pay the $50/year network registration for one business that can convince me that offering free wireless will be of true value to their local community. And that’s on my “still trying to pay off student loans while not having a real job” salary. Once I get decently stable employment, I’d extend that offer to more than one business. Let’s hope Wireless Toronto grows to eventually cover the whole city, and truly make the internet accessible.