Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose and background of this project?

The City of Boston has been undertaking an innovative plan to provide city-wide WiFi services. This is a small pilot project covering the areas around City Hall and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The objective of the project is to raise awareness to the benefits of wireless broadband and to provide a useful service to residents, workers, and visitors in this vibrant area of the city.

The free WiFi service is provided by Galaxy Internet Service Inc. in connection with the City of Boston and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Equipment was provided by SkyPilot Networks , and installation services were performed by the Local 103 I.B.E.W.

Are there other projects underway in the City of Boston? Will access be free everywhere?

There are other pilot projects underway in various Boston neighborhoods. The details of how WiFi will utlimately be offered in Boston are yet to unfold. This project is one of many that will help us all understand how

What equipment do I need to connect the the WiFi network?

Any standard 802.11b/g WiFi device (virtually any WiFi laptop, PDA, etc.) can connect to the WiFi network. Just connect your WiFi device to the "Boston Wireless" network. For instructions on connecting popular devices, please visit http://www.bostonfreewifi.org/instructions.html.

Is there WiFi coverage inside City Hall?

There may be some limited coverage inside City Hall, but the focus of the pilot project is to provide coverage outdoors and in the Quincy Market rotunda.

What do the WiFi access points look like?

Here's a picture of one of the Faneuil Hall access points:

Is there a download limit?

There is a limit of 100 megabytes per day.

Why is the login agreement page not loading?

Your browser may be trying to access a secure webpage using an address starting in https. Enter in any standard http webpage address, such as http://www.google.com so the agreement page will load properly.

Where are other WiFi Hotspots in Boston?

The Boston Wireless Advocacy Group has a list of public hotspots in the Boston area.

What is there to do in Boston?

The City of Boston has a list of Things to do in Boston.