What is BAMnet Wi-Fi?
BAMnet owns wireless network access points in the U.S., and manages network access points which allows customers the ability to roam between Wi-Fi Internet access points and over 31,000 dialup modem access numbers. Through one BAMnet login ID, customers can use wireless Internet from within Wi-Fi zones (hotspots) and if there are no hotspot zones in the area, customers can simply dialup through a land line using either local dialup or 1-800 dialup access numbers.
How does this work?
Since available hotspot locations are limited, and the coverage area at each hotspot location is limited to a few hundred feet, Wi-Fi access will require some effort on your part to gain access to the Internet. (Step 1) Use BAMnet's Hotspot location finder to locate available hotspot locations. (Step 2) Turn on your computer and open your wireless network software -- usually the software that came with your wireless network card. The software will display a list of available networks, each labled with a unique SSID indentifier. Choose the SSID as listed when using BAMnet's Hotspot location finder (SSID is shown when you click on the Location Name). (Step 3) open your web browser to start the login page.
If there are no hotspots in the locations you will be traveling near, use BAMnet's dialup modem network. The same BAMnet username/password you signed up with works for Wi-Fi access, 1-800 dialup, local dialup, and International dialup numbers.
Does my computer support Wi-Fi?
Most laptops and PDAs sold today are Wi-Fi enabled and support both 802.11b and 802.11g standards. If your laptop or PDA is not Wi-Fi capable, you can purchase a Wi-Fi card at any computer store.
How much does this cost?
BAMnet's Wi-Fi is priced based on usage by-the-minute. There are no monthly access fees or minimum usage requirements. Cost is 12 cents per minute. When connecting using dialup, cost ranges from less then 1 cent per minute within the U.S. and Canada to as high as 26 cents per minute from other International locations.
Do I need to install software?
No. BAMnet does not require "client" software to connect.
I'm at a BAMnet hotspot. How do I connect?
Assuming you have already inserted your Wi-Fi network card, or if you have a newer computer/PDA where Wi-Fi is built-in: (Step 1) start your computer and open the wireless networking software that came with your Wi-Fi card (or, open the wireless networking software you are most familiar with). (Step 2) You'll see a list of available networks, click the SSID that BAMnet provides in the Location Finder. (Step 3) launch your web browser.
You will be presented with a Welcome screen that includes a login prompt. Enter your BAMnet login ID and password to connect. Please remember that the login ID needs to include @bamnet (for example: loginID@bamnet). Your Login ID is the username that you had created during the creation of your BAMnet account.
Do I need to log off?
Yes. All BAMnet accounts are rated by-the-minute. If you don't log off, your usage will continue to run and the time connected will be deducted from your pool of available minutes.
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