Tablet Connecting To Internet

[annieigma]

Hi,
i have just purchased a tablet. i am with Bt for my broadband, and i see there is an " openzone" and a "fon". does this mean i could use the tablet on the net away from my home? If so, how do i set it up?
thanks,
annie.

[Buenchico]

BT WiFi (previously called 'BT OPenZone) is a subscription service but BT Internet users (such as yourself) get it for free. Details here:
http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumerProducts/displayTopic.do?topicId=30549

[annieigma]

Thank you, i had tried google before, but info was too techincal to understand.
also, I have a 02 mobile phone account, but don't use the phone ( tied into cantract for ages more) could i buy a dongle thing and connect it to the tablet? I just need to pick up emails every few hours.
Thanks so much, as i am not very technical,
annie.

[Tuvok]

If you want to use BT Wifi, certainly on the ipad, you need the relevant app.

When you sign in, you agree to turn on the feature on your homehub for others to use (I opt out when I no longer need to use the BT Wifi.)

You can find where there are BT hotspots.

There is also the option of free wifi offered in shops etc.

[Buenchico]

Many (most? all?) tablets don't have the drivers to support dongles.

However you can probably find a (free) BT hotspot without too many difficulties anyway. (There are 5 million of them in the UK). Your BT Home Hub, for example, transmits a public-access signal (as well as the 'private' one which you use in your home); the same applies to everyone else who has BT Broadband. (You can turn the signal off but most people probably don't do so)

To see what the coverage is like in your area, enter your postcode here:
http://www.btwifi.com/
Don't be deterred when you only see a few mauve 'wifi' markers. They're just the 'premium hotspots' installed by BT. Anywhere with a (greyish) blue colour actually has a signal. Click on the '+' button several times to zoom in and find out where all of the BT Home Hubs are in your area.

[annieigma]

buenchico, thank you. i have BT fon signals from next doors hub showing on my list of connections, so will go for that option. great stuff, thank you again.

[Giggsie]

Yes you can use it away from home. I am also with bt and just have to sign in with my bt email and password when I pick up a bt hot spot.