Free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Tulsa area

Its summertime and no one likes being cooped up when it's not necessary. Wireless Internet access gives us more freedom to surf the net from anywhere in the house, even outside the house. But what

Tuesday, June 15th 2004, 10:19 am

By: News On 6

Its summertime and no one likes being cooped up when it's not necessary. Wireless Internet access gives us more freedom to surf the net from anywhere in the house, even outside the house. But what about wireless Internet access beyond the house?

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells has found it's good for business.

Finding a wireless fidelity or Wi-Fi hook-up for your laptop is getting easier, more hotels, public areas and coffee shops are offering them and often they're free. "It's free, absolutely, it's free, and itâ€™s free." Wes Doughty is in his office away from the office, he's at Cafe Cubana at 15th and Peoria.

He's getting a little computer work done wirelessly. He likes the location over in the corner, but he could sit anywhere, even outside, he's wireless. "The atmosphere of being in an office is horrible to me now." And most of the work he has to do he can do from the CafÃ© Cubana. "It just enables me to keep going and do my job.â€

Lynsey Shockley has worked at the cafe for about a year and the number of regular wireless internet customers is increasing. "They come in everyday, they come in 2 or 3 times a day, they come in even in the evenings."

And like Wes Doughty they get a cup of coffee and turn on the computer. He says it's not only good for business here it's good for business on the road he seeks these places out. "Most of the Flying J Truck Stops now have wireless for the truck drivers."

There are dozens of free wireless or Wi-Fi hotspots around the area, also many that are not free. The free ones are set up by retailers to get people in the door, the longer you stay the more you'll spend. It does have limitations, it's not as secure as your home or office hook-up, so be careful about sensitive stuff and on-line purchases, otherwise it's great. "It's free absolutely, it's free, and itâ€™s free."

SBC is expanding its Wi-Fi network, offering its customer access at thousands of McDonaldâ€™s locations. In Oklahoma all ten turnpike McDonalds have wireless Internet access and in the Tulsa area, the Owasso, Claremore and Catoosa locations do as well.