With thousands of AT&T internet hot spots available nationwide and overseas, connecting to the Internet while traveling is easier than ever.
If you’re not an AT&T customer (currently I’m not), Boingo can help you connect to AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots with just one low monthly or annual fee.
In the U.S. alone, Boingo works on all locations that have AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots such as Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, McDonald’s and all major airports.
Unfortunately, some hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott are currently not partnered with AT&T. In this case, being an AT&T customer or having Boingo won’t help you and you’ll have to pay their steep daily or hourly charges. (This may change one day but as of this writing that is the case). On the other hand, if you’re staying at a Hilton or a Marriott you’re probably a business traveler with an expense account so maybe you don’t care. 
Benefits of Boingo
If you want to enjoy Internet access from multiple hot spots throughout the world, installing Boingo on your PC will help you connect at no extra charge. Boingo will more than pay for itself if you’re a frequent traveler.
Boingo is currently available in about 85 countries and you can reach the US from overseas 24/7 through an international toll free number.
How Do I Know if I Need Boingo?
This checklist will help you decide whether or not you should get Boingo:
- If the hotel or residence where you’re planning to stay does not have a Wi-Fi connection Boingo will not work.
- If there is a Wi-FI connection with a provider who is not partnered with Boingo, it will not work either. As I mentioned before, currently Hilton and Marriott use different Internet providers.
- If the hotel or residence where you’re staying provides free Wi-Fi then you don’t need Boingo either.
Final Tips
When booking a hotel be aware that “Free Wi-Fi” sometimes means Wi-Fi access at the hotel lobby only. Be sure to inquire if Internet access is also available in the rooms as well.
Before traveling overseas, write down the international toll free numbers for all your Internet providers, in case you need to call for support.
Remember the Six Ps: “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. Being prepared will save you time and stress and allow you to stay connected during your trip.
Twitter Updates
14 May 2009 at 10:03 am
What a great tip! If you’re not moving around too much, it may be a much cheaper alternative to aircards while staying connected.
14 May 2009 at 11:34 am
Yes. It may not be the best solution (nothing really is) but when it works it’s cheap. They have information on all their worldwide locations so you can plan ahead prior to a trip.