Editing Wi-Fi hotspot

{{about|Wi-Fi hotspot 
|personal hotspots running on a mobile telephone and tablet|Tethering|
other uses|Hotspot (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|Wi-Fi access point}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2012}}
{{Antennas|systems}}
[[File:WI-FI Range Diagram.svg|thumb|300px|A diagram showing a Wi-Fi network]]

A '''hotspot''' is a physical location where people can obtain [[Internet access]], typically using [[Wi-Fi]] technology, via a [[wireless LAN|wireless local-area network]] (WLAN) using a [[Router (computing)|router]] connected to an [[Internet service provider]].

Public hotspots may be created by a business for use by customers, such as [[Coffeehouse|coffee shop]]s or hotels. Public hotspots are typically created from [[wireless access point]]s configured to provide Internet access, controlled to some degree by the venue. In its simplest form, venues that have [[Internet access|broadband Internet access]] can create public wireless access by configuring an [[wireless access point|access point]] (AP), in conjunction with a router to connect the AP to the Internet. A single wireless router combining these functions may suffice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6603_7-5023845-1.html |title=Networking buying guide |last=Ngo |first=Dong |date=30 October 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013}}</ref>

A private hotspot, often called [[tethering]], may be configured on a smartphone or tablet that has a [[Telecommunications network|network]] data plan, to allow Internet access to other devices via [[password]], [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth pairing]], or through the [[moeex]] protocol over [[USB]], or even when both the hotspot device and the device[s] accessing it are connected to the same Wi-Fi network but one which does not provide Internet access. Similarly, a Bluetooth or [[USB On-The-Go|USB OTG]] can be used by a mobile device to provide Internet access via Wi-Fi instead of a mobile network, to a device that itself has neither Wi-Fi nor mobile network capability passwords. 

==Uses==
The public can use a [[laptop]] or other suitable portable device to access the wireless connection (usually [[Wi-Fi]]) provided. The iPass 2014 interactive map, that shows data provided by the analysts Maravedis Rethink, shows that in December 2014 there are 46,000,000 hotspots worldwide and more than 22,000,000 roamable hotspots. More than 10,900 hotspots are on trains, planes and airports (Wi-Fi in motion) and more than 8,500,000 are "branded" hotspots (retail, cafés, hotels). The region with the largest number of public hotspots is Europe, followed by North America and Asia.<ref name=ipas-map>{{cite web |title=IPass Wi-Fi Growth Map |url=http://www.ipass.com/wifi-growth-map/ |publisher=ipass.com |access-date=31 October 2015}}</ref>

Libraries throughout the United States are implementing hotspot lending programs to extend access to online library services to users at home who cannot afford in-home Internet access or do not have access to Internet infrastructure. The [[New York Public Library]] was the largest program, lending out 10,000 devices to library patrons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nypl.org/hotspot|title=Library HotSpot|publisher=The New York Public Library}}</ref> Similar programs have existed in Kansas,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kslib.info/1107/MiFi-Pilot|title=MiFi Pilot 2 (Borrow the Internet @ your library) |publisher=Kansas State Library, KS}}</ref> Maine,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/grant_projects/washington_county_wifi_grant.shtml|title=Check-out the Internet Project, Washington County |publisher=Maine State Library}}</ref> and Oklahoma;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agricultural-sciences-natural-resources/2018/stotts_extension_library_mobile_hotspots.html|title=OSU, public libraries working together to bridge 'digital divide' in rural Oklahoma 
|date=6 June 2018 
|publisher=Oklahoma State University}}</ref> and many individual libraries are implementing these programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyyonder.com/borrowing-the-internet-library-program-lets-patrons-take-access-home/2017/01/11/17079/|title='Borrowing' the Internet: Library Program Lets Patrons Take Access Home |last=Schrubbe|first=Alexis|website=Daily Yonder|date=11 January 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-13}}</ref>

[[Wi-Fi positioning system|Wi-Fi positioning]] is a method for [[geolocation]] based on the positions of nearby hotspots.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|publisher = ACM|date = 2015-01-01|location = New York, NY, USA|isbn = 978-1-4503-3542-3|pages = 269–282|series = SIGCOMM '15|doi = 10.1145/2785956.2787487|first1 = Manikanta|last1 = Kotaru|first2 = Kiran|last2 = Joshi|first3 = Dinesh|last3 = Bharadia|first4 = Sachin|last4 = Katti| title=Proceedings of the 2015 ACM Conference on Special Interest Group on Data Communication | chapter=SpotFi |s2cid = 8728165}}</ref>

== Security issues ==
Security is a serious concern in connection with public and private hotspots. There are three possible attack scenarios. First, there is the wireless connection between the client and the access point, which needs to be [[encrypted]], so that the connection cannot be eavesdropped or attacked by a [[man-in-the-middle attack]]. Second, there is the hotspot itself. The WLAN encryption ends at the interface, then travels its network stack unencrypted and then, third, travels over the wired connection up to the [[Broadband remote access server|BRAS]] of the ISP.

Depending upon the setup of a public hotspot, the provider of the hotspot has access to the metadata and content accessed by users of the hotspot. The safest method when accessing the Internet over a hotspot, with unknown security measures, is [[end-to-end encryption]]. Examples of strong end-to-end encryption are [[HTTP Secure|HTTPS]] and [[Secure Shell|SSH]].

Some hotspots [[authenticate]] users; however, this does not prevent users from viewing network traffic using [[packet sniffer]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://planetzuda.com/2013/02/18/internet-security-podcast-episode-10-free-wifi-and-the-security-issues-it-poses/ |title=Internet Security Podcast episode 10: Free WiFi And The Security issues it poses |date=18 February 2013 |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831183436/http://planetzuda.com/2013/02/18/internet-security-podcast-episode-10-free-wifi-and-the-security-issues-it-poses/ |archive-date=31 August 2014 }}</ref>

Some vendors provide a download option that deploys [[WPA-PSK|WPA]] support. This conflicts with enterprise configurations that have solutions specific to their internal [[WLAN]].

The [[Opportunistic Wireless Encryption]] (OWE) standard provides [[encrypted communication]] in open Wi-Fi networks, alongside the [[WPA3]] standard,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hpe.com/us/en/insights/articles/wpa3-how-and-why-the-wi-fi-standard-matters-1808.html|title=WPA3: How and why the Wi-Fi standard matters|date=August 8, 2018|website=HPE}}</ref> but is not yet widely implemented.

== Unintended consequences ==
{{main|LinkNYC#Nuisance complaints}}

New York City introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot kiosk called [[LinkNYC]] with the intentions of providing modern technology for the masses as a replacement to a payphone.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=McGeehan|first=Patrick|date=2016-09-14|title=Free Wi-Fi Kiosks Were to Aid New Yorkers. An Unsavory Side Has Spurred a Retreat. (Published 2016)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/nyregion/internet-browsers-to-be-disabled-on-new-yorks-free-wi-fi-kiosks.html|access-date=2020-12-24|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Businesses complained they were a homeless magnet and CBS news observed transients with wires connected to the kiosk lingering for an extended period.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-10|title=New Yorkers Express Concern About Homeless At LinkNYC Kiosks|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/10/10/linknyc-charging-wi-fi-kiosk-homeless-manhattan/|access-date=2020-12-24|language=en-US}}</ref>  It was shut down following complaints about transient activity around the station and encampments forming around it.<ref name=":1" /> [[homeless|Transients]]/[[panhandler]]s were the most frequent users of the kiosk since its installation in early 2016 spurring complaints about public viewing of pornography and masturbation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=York|first=Associated Press in New|date=2016-09-14|title=New York's Wi-Fi kiosks disabled after complaints of people watching porn|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/14/new-york-sidewalk-wifi-homeless-people-porn|access-date=2020-12-24|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

== Locations ==
Public hotspots are often found at [[airport]]s, [[bookselling|bookstore]]s, coffee shops, [[department store]]s, [[filling station|fuel station]]s, [[hotel]]s, [[hospital]]s, [[library|libraries]], public [[pay phone]]s, [[restaurant]]s, [[RV park]]s and campgrounds, [[supermarket]]s, [[train station]]s, and other public places. Additionally, many [[school]]s and [[university|universities]] have [[wireless network]]s on their campuses.

==Types==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2012}}

===Free hotspots===
[[File:CHE — ZH — Zürich (public WiFi Hotspot) Mattes 2022-07-29.jpg|thumb|Public Wi-Fi hotspot in [[Zürich]]]]
According to statista.com, in the year 2022, there are approximately 550 million free Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global public Wi-Fi hotspots 2016-2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/677108/global-public-wi-fi-hotspots/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=Statista}}</ref>
The [[National Security Agency|U.S. NSA]] warns against connecting to free public Wi-Fi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NSA Issues Guidance on Securing Wireless Devices in Public Settings |url=http://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/News-Highlights/Article/Article/2711968/nsa-issues-guidance-on-securing-wireless-devices-in-public-settings/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=National Security Agency/Central Security Service |language=en-US}}</ref>

Free hotspots operate in two ways:
* Using an open public network is the easiest way to create a free hotspot. All that is needed is a Wi-Fi router. Similarly, when users of private wireless routers turn off their authentication requirements, opening their connection, intentionally or not, they permit [[Piggybacking (Internet access)|piggybacking]] (sharing) by anyone in range.<ref>Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0014-tips-using-public-wi-fi-networks</ref>
* Closed public networks use a HotSpot Management System to control access to hotspots. This software runs on the router itself or an external computer allowing operators to authorize only specific users to access the Internet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/open-vs-closed-network/21242|title=What is Open vs Closed Network|website=igi-global.com|access-date=2019-04-03}}</ref> Providers of such hotspots often associate the free access with a menu, membership, or purchase limit. Operators may also limit each user's available [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] (upload and download speed) to ensure that everyone gets a good quality service. Often this is done through [[service-level agreement]]s.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

===Commercial hotspots===
A commercial hotspot may feature:
* A [[captive portal]] / login screen / splash page that users are redirected to for [[authentication]] and/or [[payment]]. The captive portal / splash page sometimes includes the [[social login]] buttons.
* A payment option using a [[credit card]], [[iPass Inc.|iPass]], [[PayPal]], or another payment service (voucher-based Wi-Fi)
* A [[Walled garden (technology)|walled garden]] feature that allows free access to certain sites
* [[Service-oriented provisioning]] to allow for improved revenue
* Data analytics and data capture tools, to analyze and export data from Wi-Fi clients

Many services provide payment services to hotspot providers, for a monthly fee or commission from the end-user income. For example, [[Amazingports]] can be used to set up hotspots that intend to offer both fee-based and free internet access, and [[ZoneCD]] is a [[Linux distribution]] that provides payment services for hotspot providers who wish to deploy their own service.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

[[Roaming]] services are expanding among major hotspot service providers. With roaming service the users of a commercial provider can have access to other providers' hotspots, either free of charge or for extra fees, which users will usually be charged on an access-per-minute basis.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

===Software hotspots===
{{Main|SoftAP}}
Many Wi-Fi adapters built into or easily added to consumer computers and mobile devices include the functionality to operate as private or mobile hotspots, sometimes referred to as "mi-fi".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sprint.com/mifi|title=Mi-Fi|website=Sprint PCS}}</ref> The use of a private hotspot to enable other personal devices to access the [[Wide area network|WAN]] (usually but not always the [[Internet]]) is a form of [[bridging (networking)|bridging]], and known as tethering. Manufacturers and [[custom rom|firmware]] creators can enable this functionality in Wi-Fi devices on many Wi-Fi devices, depending upon the capabilities of the hardware, and most modern consumer operating systems, including [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Apple OS X]] 10.6 and later,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MN81gC_jRRYC&q=10.6+share+internet&pg=PA476|title=Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard: Visual QuickStart Guide |date=2010 |isbn=9780321658999 |access-date=29 June 2016|last=Langer |first=Maria |publisher=Peachpit Press}}</ref> [[Windows]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-set-up-a-mobile-hotspot-with-windows-10/|title=How to set up a mobile hotspot with Windows 10 |work=[[Greg Shultz]] |date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=29 June 2019}}</ref> and [[Linux]]{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}} include features to support this. Additionally wireless chipset manufacturers such as [[Atheros]], [[Broadcom]], [[Intel]] and others, may add the capability for certain Wi-Fi [[Network interface controller|NICs]], usually used in a client role, to also be used for hotspot purposes. However, some service providers, such as AT&T,<ref>{{cite web|website=AT&T Shop| title=Mobile Hotspots| url=http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/hotspots.html}}</ref> Sprint,<ref>{{cite web| website=Sprint Community: Plans| url=https://community.sprint.com/baw/community/buzzaboutwireless/plans/blog/2012/05/16/new-mobile-hotspot-plans-and-usage-notification-options| date=May 16, 2012| title=New Mobile Hotspot Plans and Usage Notification Options| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042605/https://community.sprint.com/baw/community/buzzaboutwireless/plans/blog/2012/05/16/new-mobile-hotspot-plans-and-usage-notification-options| archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> and T-Mobile<ref>{{cite web| website = Tethering FAQ| url = http://offers.t-mobile.com/tethering/admin/faq.jsp| title = Smartphone Mobile Hotspot| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129093527/http://offers.t-mobile.com/tethering/admin/faq.jsp| archive-date = 2014-11-29}}</ref> charge users for this service or prohibit and disconnect user connections if tethering is detected.{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}

Third-party software vendors offer applications to allow users to operate their own hotspot, whether to access the Internet when on the go, share an existing connection, or extend the range of another hotspot.

===Hotspot 2.0===
Hotspot 2.0, also known as HS2 and Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://revolutionwifi.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wi-fi-alliance-rebrands-hotspot-20-as.html |title=Wi-Fi Alliance Rebrands Hotspot 2.0 as Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint |last=vonNagy |first=Andrew |date=20 May 2012 |access-date=13 April 2012}}</ref> is an approach to public access Wi-Fi by the [[Wi-Fi Alliance]]. The idea is for mobile devices to automatically join a Wi-Fi subscriber service whenever the user enters a Hotspot 2.0 area, in order to provide better bandwidth and services-on-demand to end-users and relieve carrier infrastructure of some traffic.

Hotspot 2.0 is based on the [[IEEE 802.11u]] standard, which is a set of protocols published in 2011 to enable cellular-like roaming. If the device supports 802.11u and is subscribed to a Hotspot 2.0 service it will automatically connect and roam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk-wireless.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/hotspot-20.html |title=Hotspot 2.0 |date=10 January 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013 |last=Simkins |first=Rob}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cwnp.com/hotspot-2-0-and-the-next-generation-hotspot |title=Hotspot 2.0 and the Next Generation Hotspot |last=Burton |first=Marcus |date=10 January 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| website=Gigaom| title= Hotspot 2.0 inches its way into public Wi-Fi networks| author=Fitchard, Kevin| date=March 7, 2014 |url=https://gigaom.com/2014/03/07/hotspot-2-0-inches-its-way-into-public-wi-fi-networks/}}</ref>

====Supported devices====
* Apple mobile devices running [[iOS 7]] and up<ref>{{cite web|last=Brownlee |first=John |url=http://www.cultofmac.com/231599/ios-7-will-make-it-possible-to-roam-between-open-wi-fi-networks-without-your-data-ever-dropping/ |title=iOS 7 Will Make It Possible To Roam Between Open Wi-Fi Networks Without Your Data Ever Dropping |publisher=Cult of Mac |date=2013-06-12 |access-date=2013-09-16}}</ref>
* Some [[Samsung Galaxy]] smartphones<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/wi-fi-roaming-hotspot-2-0-and-next-generation-hotspot/ |title=Wi-Fi roaming: Hotspot 2.0 and Next Generation Hotspot |last=Branscombe |first=Mary |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013 |work=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref>
* [[Windows 10]] devices have full support for network discovery and connection.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/mt244297(v=vs.85).aspx |title=Hotspot 2.0 - Windows Hardware Dev |access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref>
* Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 lack network discovery, but support connecting to a network when the credentials are known.<ref name=":0" />

==Billing==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+ EDCF user-priority list
! colspan=2 rowspan=3 | &nbsp;
! colspan=6 | Net traffic
|-
! colspan=3 | low
! colspan=3 | high
|-
! Audio
! Video
! Data
! Audio
! Video
! Data
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:160px;"| User needs
! width=160 | time-critical
| align=center | 7
| align=center | 5
| align=center | 0
| align=center | 6
| align=center | 4
| align=center | 0
|-
! not time-critical
| align=center | -
| align=center | -
| align=center | 2
| align=center | -
| align=center | -
| align=center | 2
|}

The "user-fairness model" is a dynamic billing model, which allows volume-based billing, charged only by the amount of payload (data, video, audio). Moreover, the tariff is classified by net traffic and user needs.<ref name=pommer>{{cite book |last=Pommer |first=hermann |date=2008-03-25 |title=Roaming zwischen Wireless Local Area Networks |location=Saarbrücken|publisher= [[VDM Publishing|VDM Verlag]]|isbn=978-3-8364-8708-5 }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

If the net traffic increases, then the user has to pay the next higher tariff class. The user can be prompted to confirm that they want to continue the session in the higher traffic class.{{Dubious|date = November 2015|reason = Sentence is poorly written and should either be removed or edited. See comment in 'Weird sentence' section of the Talk Page.}} A higher class fare can also be charged for delay sensitive applications such as video and audio, versus non time-critical applications such as reading Web pages and sending e-mail.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+ Tariff classes of the user-fairness model
! colspan=2 rowspan=2 | &nbsp;
! colspan=2 | Net traffic
|-
! width=160 | low
! width=160 | high
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:160px;"| User needs
! width=160 | time-critical
| align=center | standard
| align=center | exclusive
|-
! not time-critical
| align=center | low priced
| align=center | standard
|}

The "User-fairness model" can be implemented with the help of EDCF (IEEE 802.11e). An EDCF user priority list shares the traffic in 3 access categories (data, video, audio) and user priorities (UP).<ref name = pommer/>

* Data  [UP 0|2]
* Video [UP 5|4]
* Audio [UP 7|6]

See [[Service-oriented provisioning]] for viable implementations.

==Legal issues==
{{See also|Legality of piggybacking}}
Depending upon the set up of a public hotspot, the provider of the hotspot has access to the metadata and content accessed by users of the hotspot, and may have legal obligations related to privacy requirements and liability for use of the hotspot for unlawful purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wififoundation.org/legal|title=HTL Support Ts and Cs - HTL}}</ref> In countries where the internet is regulated or [[freedom of speech]] more restricted, there may be requirements such as licensing, logging, or recording of user information.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} Concerns may also relate to [[child safety]], and [[social issue]]s such as exposure to objectionable content, protection against [[cyberbullying]] and illegal behaviours, and prevention of perpetration of such behaviors by hotspot users themselves.

=== European Union ===
The [[Data Retention Directive]] which required hotspot owners to retain key user statistics for 12 months was annulled by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2014. The [[Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications]] was replaced in 2018 by the [[General Data Protection Regulation]], which imposes restrictions on data collection by hotspot operators.

=== United Kingdom ===
* [[Data Protection Act 1998]]: The hotspot owner must retain individual's information {{dubious|date=July 2017}} within the confines of the law.
* [[Digital Economy Act 2010]] :<sup>[https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05515/#:~:text=Download%20full%20report-,The%20Digital%20Economy%20Act%202010%20received%20Royal%20Assent%20at%20the,history%20provided%20would%20be%20anonymised. <nowiki>[39]</nowiki>]</sup> Deals with, among other things, [[copyright infringement]], and imposes fines of up to £250,000 for contravention.

==History==
[[File:CDSC wifi Classon jeh.jpg|thumb|Public park in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]] has free Wi-Fi from a local corporation.]]

Public access wireless [[local area network]]s (LANs) were first proposed by Henrik Sjoden at the NetWorld+Interop conference in The [[Moscone Center]] in San Francisco in August 1993.<ref>[http://wifinetnews.com/archives/2002/08/wi-fi_timeline.html Wi-Fi Timeline]. Wifi Net News. August 8, 2002.</ref> Sjoden did not use the term "hotspot" but referred to publicly accessible wireless LANs.

The first commercial venture to attempt to create a public local area access network was a firm founded in Richardson, Texas known as PLANCOM (Public Local Area Network Communications). The founders of the venture, Mark Goode, Greg Jackson, and Brett Stewart dissolved the firm in 1998, while Goode and Jackson created [[MobileStar|MobileStar Networks]]. The firm was one of the first to sign such public access locations as Starbucks,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2001/0625starbucks.html |title=Starbucks wireless network a sweet deal for MobileStar |last=Marsan |first=Carolyn Duffy |date=25 June 2001 |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015115807/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2001/0625starbucks.html |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> American Airlines,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/American+Airlines+and+MobileStar+Network+to+Deliver+Wireless+Internet...-a062020227 |title=American Airlines and MobileStar Network to Deliver Wireless Internet Connectivity to American's Passengers |work=[[PR Newswire]] |date=11 May 2000 |access-date=13 April 2013}}</ref> and Hilton Hotels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4001187.html |title=MobileStar Network to Supply U.S. Hilton Hotels With Wireless High-Speed Internet Access |date=28 October 1998 |access-date=13 April 2013}}</ref> The company was sold to Deutsche Telecom in 2001, who then converted the name of the firm into "T-Mobile Hotspot". It was then that the term "hotspot" entered the popular vernacular as a reference to a location where a publicly accessible wireless LAN is available.

[[ABI Research]] reported there was a total of 4.9 million global Wi-Fi hotspots in 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.abiresearch.com/press/growing-demand-for-mobility-will-boost-global-wi-f |title= Demand for Mobility will Boost Global Wi-Fi Hotspots to Reach 6.3 Million in 2013|website= ABI Research}}</ref> In 2016 the [[Wireless Broadband Alliance]] predicted a steady annual increase from 5.2m public hotspots in 2012 to 10.5m in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jinia|first1=Irashe|title=Don't Buy AT&T Internet Plans Until You Read This!|url=http://internet.realitytvcalendar.com/att-internet-plans.html|website=internet.realitytvcalendar.com|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bluetooth]]
* [[Evil twin (wireless networks)]]
* [[Hotspot gateway]]
* [[IEEE 802.11]]
* [[Legality of piggybacking]]
* [[LinkNYC]]
* [[MobileStar]]
* [[Securing Adolescents From Exploitation-Online Act]]
* [[Visitor Based Network]]
* [[Wireless Access Point]]
* [[Wireless LAN]]
* [[Wireless security]]
* [[Wi-Fi]]
* [[Wi-Fi Direct]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}
* {{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Phillip |date=1 July 2013 |title=Digital Economy Act 2010: Copyright |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05515/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522104150/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05515/ |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=[[UK Commons Library]]}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Hotspots (Wi-Fi)}}

{{Telecommunications}}

[[Category:Wi-Fi]]
[[Category:Wireless access points]]