On: Show HN: App recommending free Wifi based on hotsp...

[secure]

Out of curiosity, what is your reason for using wifi hotspots in today’s world?

Personally, I don’t bother connecting to a wifi network anymore (except when I’m at home or at work) because the mobile network is just so fast and convenient.

Even when abroad, I just buy a local SIM card and use that.

[icebraining → secure]

Cost. Monthly data plans are a waste (I spend weeks, sometimes months, without needing mobile access) and pre-paid packages are limited and expensive.

I could certainly afford them, but considering that Wifi is plentiful where I live, it's not worth it.

[rpbertp13 → secure]

Cellular data networks in many parts of the world deliver incredibly slow speeds. In those places, the hassle of finding and connecting to a WiFi hotspot is often worth it. I'm currently traveling in the Philippines and malls, restaurants and cafes commonly offer WiFi to attract customers, and it works.

Even when the local network is fast, buying a SIM card may not be an option if your phone is locked and under contract, which is very common for US users.

[ekianjo → rpbertp13]

Buy a (used) Sim-free phone that's 2-3 years old, it's dirty cheap and will save you much trouble.

[untog → secure]

You know how I know you live in a major metropolitan area and have a good deal of disposable income?

[brendan_gill → secure]

In the user interviews we carried out some of the key use cases we've found for Wifi use are:

- People without unlimited data plans who would prefer to preserve data on their mobile plan

- People travelling abroad and want to avoid roaming fees (although I'm partial to a local sim also, for many this is quite technical)

- People who want to find a nice cafe to use their laptop

- Faster internet (Much of the world can't rely on fast LTE networks for example)

- Connectivity in places where there's no mobile signal (e.g. underground restaurants, bars etc).

[nwatson → secure]

This would be useful for a not-so-monetizable crowd ... the modern "hobo" population: http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/572691/Homeless-hobo-cod... ... and anyone else who cannot afford or choose not to pay for extensive data plans.

[wslh → secure]

Seems like you don't travel to the countries with poor/oversubscribed mobile coverage (i.e: Argentina).

[JamesCRR → wslh]

+1 Funnily enough, I'm in Argentina right now working on the Android version of WifiMapper as we speak.

[wslh → JamesCRR]

Great! we can have lunch next week if you are available.

[JamesCRR → wslh]

Sure, I'm on a super hectic schedule, so it may just be a drink and some empanadas, but let's set something up.

[julian_t → wslh]

Or to those countries where getting a local SIM can be a real hassle (ie. India)