WiFi in Toronto
 

Not sure if I should post this question here or in the Toronto forum, but here it goes...

I understand Toronto Hydro offers a large WiFi blanket over downtown, but do any other providers extend service to some of the northern parts of the city, like the north Avenue Rd area?

I read Bell, Rogers and Telus have WiFi POPs, but I couldn't find coverage maps, availability or pricing on their websites. I don't necessarily need free (although it would be nice) - but some type of decent coverage around the Avenue Rd/401 Freeway area would be a huge plus.

Any suggestions?

I was in Toronto when Hydro had the press conference and it ran on TV repeatedly most throughout the day. Even live when it was issued.

My understanding was that the longterm plan is to cover all of GTA with the wifi blanket but I think it was a three year plan involved. However, the press conference was march 2006 so by now they are almost 2 years in to it.

Is it still free? Last I heard they were on about charging for it after the test run but didn't know how much.

I know I'm not being much of a help here but I'll see what I can find out for you, unless someone else here knows more.

/E

Toronto Hydro One-zone is no longer free.

Bell, Rogers, and Telus more or less have a cooperative of hotspots, but their total coverage area is spotty. Most Starbucks and Second Cup coffeeshops have them installed, though.

If you are using a credit card to pay for your access (instead of a mobile carrier account), you are tied to the specific operator of the Hotspot. For example, if you set up a one-month account on a Bell Hotspot (Starbucks), then you cannot use that account on a Rogers Hotspot (Second Cup). If you use a mobile carrier account, you can.

Thank you..

According to the coverage map, the Hydro WiFi is still only in the downtown area, so it's unlikely to reach me up where I'm staying.

The hotspots won't work because I want to use it from the condo I will be at. I guess if the Hydro system hasn't been extended I can always hope for an unlocked signal leaking from a neighbor.