Tokyo is known for it's wifi ...in particular, the lack of it. I've
had numerous friends cone to Japan and ask me where they can get free
wifi access to check their emails etc,, but my response has
unfortunately had to be a bit negative, as there are very few free
wifi networks - which you'd think a bit odd in such an online city.
There are a few cafes that offer completely free unrestricted access,
but the majority require you to have some kind of contract - e.g. when
you buy an Internet package for your home you're given a login for
that same provider's wifi networks in cafes around town.
Tip: one free network that I've used in the past is in Shibuya. Stand
next to the statue of Hachiko the dog and you should be able to
connect (wifi-enabled dog, cool huh?!)
The other option for me until now was to find fellow live blogger
Steve Nagata. Steve can be relied on to have the latest gadgets - as a
technology consultant it's important he knows what's on the Market
(great excuse huh?!). One gadget he's had for quite a long time now is
a mobile wifi hotspot - it connects to the 3G phone network and then
broadcasts a wifi signal, which you can connect to with your laptop /
DS / iPhone or any other wifi-enabled device.
He recently upgraded to the D25HW on the emobile network
(pictured) ...and when I saw it I could resist no longer - got myself
one yesterday.
For ¥5000 / $50 a month you get unlimited data, at pretty decent
speeds. You can connect multiple devices at one time, meaning if you
go to some event you can provide a free connection for all your friends!
So next time a friend comes to
Tokyo and asked me where they can get free WIFI, I can say 'right here'!
I'll be putting mine to the test tonight - join me live from Shibuya
from 8pm Japan time where I'll be streaming a live music / art event
in aid of the Haiti Relief Fund.
The stream will be at
www.ustream.tv/tamegoeswild/
Joseph.
