Here's how to get the best public WiFi access
What's the story
In large swathes of Africa, getting online isn't easy. Internet access is crazy expensive and infrastructure is patchy at best.
Thankfully, public WiFi is a game-changer. It's cheap, it's accessible, and it's helping level the digital playing field.
This article dives into the nitty-gritty of making public WiFi work across the continent. Because everyone deserves internet access without emptying their pockets.
Hotspots
Identify free WiFi hotspots
The first step to mastering the art of public WiFi is knowing where to find free hotspots.
Many African cities now offer free WiFi zones in public places like parks, libraries, and even some public transport systems.
By keeping a mental list of these spots, you can plan your internet usage around trips to these areas. This way, you stay connected without spending a dime on data.
Security
Use a reliable VPN service
Public WiFi, while convenient and free, is usually not very secure, leaving you vulnerable to hackers who can steal your data.
By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can protect your information by creating a secure, encrypted connection that hides your online activities.
Plenty of inexpensive or free VPN services provide sufficient security for everyday internet use.
This way, your data stays safe even on unsecured networks.
Bandwidth
Limit high-bandwidth activities
To maximize the benefit of limited or slow public WiFi connections prevalent in many parts of Africa, users should avoid high-bandwidth activities.
Streaming videos or downloading large files not only hogs bandwidth but also slows down the connection for others.
Instead, prioritizing low-bandwidth activities such as browsing websites or checking emails ensures fair use for everyone.
Offline
Offline functionality usage
Numerous apps and services provide offline functionality. You can download the content when you are on Wi-Fi, and then access it later even when you don't have an internet connection.
Leveraging this feature can drastically cut down your dependency on a constant connection, enabling you to get things done efficiently without the need for real-time internet access.
Device safety
Keep your device secure
When connecting to public networks, it's important to keep your device secure.
Make sure your firewall is turned on, and if you don't already have antivirus software, it might be a good idea to install some.
Regularly update your apps and operating system. This helps protect you from vulnerabilities that might be exploited over unsecured networks.