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I like free food, free music, free software and those free plastic spoons of ice cream you get at Baskin Robbins. So it’s no surprise I like my internet service the same way — free.
All you need to get free wireless in Manhattan is a wireless laptop and a pair of walking shoes. If you don’t want to hoof it, you can also buy a $2.00 ride on the subway. I usually use the wireless access point at the South Street Seaport provided by the Downtown Alliance, since it’s close to where I’m staying. The Alliance is a community organization that cleans up the streets and provides services like the free wireless. You sometimes see them in downtown Manhattan in their red uniforms picking up trash or helping little old ladies cross the street.
The Downtown Alliance also provides wireless access at City Hall Park, Bowling Green Park, the World Financial Center Winter Garden, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1 New York Plaza, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, and Stone Street.
So far the connection at the Seaport food court is the only one I’ve used, but the connection speed is pretty good, it’s up all the time, and I haven’t had any problems with it.
Another access point I’ve used is in Bryant Park, right behind the New York Public Library between 40th and 42nd street. This one’s outside, so you might not want to use it in the rain, but as soon as spring gives us a nice sunny day I’m going to plop myself down in one of the many chairs they have out there, enjoy the sun, the green grass, and the chirping birds and access www.homestarrunner.com to see what Strongbad has to say about life.