A new app from ubiquitous WiFi provider Boingo will come in handy for those of you toting iPod Touch's or new WiFi iPad's after this weekend. The newly released
Boingo WiFi Credits will give users the option of purchasing WiFi access one hour at a time from over 125,000 hotspots all over the world.
Boingo is a global WiFi hotspot provider giving access to users in locations where convenient access can help with mobility, productivity or just to kill some time. You can find them in Starbucks, airports and hotels. They have several subscription options available that provide monthly access but if you're an infrequent traveler just looking for some internet time before catching that next flight and can't find a free hotspot nearby,
Boingo WiFi Credits is a reasonable alternative.
The app is free to download on the App Store and comes with one hour of access called a credit. Each additional credit will set you back $1.99 for one hour of WiFi access and if you pre purchase 10 credits, you will be given one additional credit for free. All transactions are made as in app purchases so you'll be deducted through your iTunes account. There are no hidden recurring fees or commitments so you can access the service only when you really need it. The app is fairly straightforward to use and conveniently has Google Maps integration to help you pinpoint nearby Boingo hotspots.
It should be mentioned that Boingo does offer a smartphone plan that enables access for $7.95/month and is recurring unless you cancel before the start of the next month of service. Laptop access fall under a separate category and is charged at $9.95/month. It will be interesting to see how the service handles the newly created tablet category when iPad is officially available after this weekend.
The idea of paying for WiFi may be a tough one to swallow for some of us but there are instances where you'll find yourself without a connection and with Boingo's extensive coverage throughout the world, the pay as you go pricing offered with WiFi Credits can be an attractive one.
Boingo WiFi Credits is available as a free download now on the App Store.