We are always working to expand our network and increase access throughout the city. You can find the most up-to-date map of hotspot locations here.

1. You will need a computer (PC, Mac, etc.) or any other device (like PDAs and iPhones) that support Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless technology.

   If your device does not have a built-in wireless networking card, you can most likely purchase one from most major electronics retailers or direct from the manufacturer of your device. We recommend purchasing a card with Wi-Fi certification.

   To learn more about Wi-Fi 802/11b/g, visit www.weca.net.

2. A standard Internet browser like Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Netscape Navigator, etc. It does not matter what Operating System (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) you.re using as long as you have an Internet Browser.
   You do not need any special software or a wireless modem.

1. You must be within one of our coverage zones or "hot spots"
2. Select "AlbanyFreeNet" from your list of available wireless networks and launch your internet browser.
3. The Albany FreeNet landing page will automatically load to your browser. Review the terms and hit the "Free Internet" button. You're all set! No password is required.

Currently, you can use Albany FreeNet for one hour per day.

You can use Albany FreeNet for one CLOCK hour per day, meaning that once your session has begun, it will continue until the hour is up whether or not you are still online. This will likely change in the near future.

The farther you are from the 'Access Point' the device which broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal, the less fast service will be. You may be able to see a signal, but it may not be strong enough to deliver internet.

However, if your computer indicates you have a strong signal, there may be another problem with the service. Please contact us using our online support form (link to customer service support form) or call us at 518-598-0900.

If you have a strong signal, please remember that you must open your browser and click on the 'Free Internet' button before you can begin surfing the web.

If you are too far from an Albany FreeNet 'Access Point,' the device which broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal, you may be able to see a signal, but it may not be strong enough to deliver internet, including our web-based landing page.

However, if your computer indicates you have a strong signal,there may be another problem with the service. Please contact us using our online support form (link to customer service support form) or call us at 518-598-0900.

Although Albany FreeNet is mainly intended to keep you connected when you're away from the home or office and on the go, if the building you are in is located within an Albany FreeNet hotspot, you may be able to connect. However, in many cases, interference caused by walls, overhangs and other obstructions, as well as distance from the access point can inhibit your ability to connect. It is possible to remedy this by purchasing a 'Wi-Fi booster'. Two companies from whom you can buy a Wi-Fi booster are Ruckus (www.ruckuswireless.com) and PepWave (www.PepWave.com).

The Albany FreeNet network is an open network. As such, we recommend that you use a firewall on your device, turn off any file-sharing, and only conduct internet transactions on secure websites using an encrypted SSL server (a lock should appear on your browser if this is the case).