[grandcider]

I often take my work to coffeeshops, but sometimes find that I can't load the PCCW login page (hotspot.netvigator.com) necessary to connect to their network. This is quite irritating after making the trip and buying the overpriced Starbucks/Pacific beverage.

Since I have no problem connecting at other times, I presume that this is a problem with their network?

I'm happy to patronize establishments that offer free Wifi, but I only know of a few around town:

Kosmo Central - (for some reason I can only connect when seated at the first row of tables upstairs)

Zambra Coffee - 239 Jaffe Rd. Wanchai

(Name Forgotten) - Cafe near the Peninsula Centre, TST East

Please share any other locations and let's break the PCCW stranglehold on wifi in this town!

[albahk]

In Wanchai next to Pacific Place 3 at Epoch Cafe they have free wireless and the illy coffee is much, much better than PCC or Starbucks in my opinion.

The Habitu cafe on Queen's Road East opposite Pacific Place 3 has free wireless but their staff are indifferent at best and at worst ignore you completely. So I tend to avoid them if possible.

[KnowItAll]

http://www.y5zone.com/main/hotspot.do?status=home

[hk.com]

Originally Posted by albahk

In Wanchai next to Pacific Place 3 at Epoch Cafe they have free wireless and the illy coffee is much, much better than PCC or Starbucks in my opinion.

The Habitu cafe on Queen's Road East opposite Pacific Place 3 has free wireless but their staff are indifferent at best and at worst ignore you completely. So I tend to avoid them if possible.

It seems that you and I roam the the same places. Habitu is such a shame.

How about the Kosmo at the bottom of Pacific Place 3?

[Shenzhener]

I think it is crazy that you should pay for the use of wifi in coffee shops. They charge enough for their coffee as it is.

Starbucks in China offers free wifi. Maybe you should come over here!

[grandcider]

I think it's nuts too! PCCW have raised the monthly fee to $158, which is quite steep if you just want to log in at Starbucks occasionally. Not to mention that the network doesn't seem to work half the time. I'll be cancelling the service soon and will try to patronize the free places instead.

I've also found Crema Coffee, TST East and the Charlie Brown Cafe (you need to ask for the password).

I took a look at Y5zone's plan, but their hotspot locations aren't so appealing.

[albahk]

HK.com: I lived in Star Street and have faced the free wifi vs bad coffee dilemma a few times. Are you working in the area?

What I can't handle is I am paying for 8Mbps Netvigator at home and I go somewhere else to jump on Netvigator's network they want to take another chunk of my money.

I am considering signing up for this service... makes much more sense. www.fon.com. Has anyone used this or have experience with it??

[grandcider]

The Fon concept sounds interesting, but they don't seem to have any spots in Hong Kong so it would be of little use.

I also pay a good deal for Netvigator & NOW services at home. The $58/month for WiFi access was a tolerable money-grab, but at $158, it is seeming outrageous.

[bobbyjo]

Originally Posted by grandcider

The Fon concept sounds interesting, but they don't seem to have any spots in Hong Kong so it would be of little use.

I also pay a good deal for Netvigator & NOW services at home. The $58/month for WiFi access was a tolerable money-grab, but at $158, it is seeming outrageous.

Just a thought. I see you pay $158 but on pccw website it says if you are excisting customer then is reduced to $98 unlimited.

[krypton]

There are about 1000 free Wi-fi spots in Hong Kong.

Some of them are listed here:
http://www.wififreespot.com/asia.html