As a self-employed individual, I tend to suffer from cabin fever because I am stuck at home throughout the day.  This is why I frequently pack up my laptop and head to a coffee shop, where I can actually get some work done.  It’s a refreshing change from time to time.  However, I do have some requirements for a suitable coffee shop or Internet cafe, like a fast connection and good food.

There are many coffee establishments in my area offering free Wi-Fi.  Sure, connecting to the Internet for free can prove to be beneficial, especially for penny pinching individuals but sometimes such a service can have some pretty big pitfalls.

Free Wi-Fi also means a plethora of laptop users at any given time.  Many of the popular establishments I used to frequent tend to be overcrowded, where I literally had to fight for a seat and a table.  Another problem with free Wi-Fi is the potential for abuse; moreover, there’s a big opportunity for individuals to hog the bandwidth.  What really irritates me is when users download an excessive amount of movies, music files or any large file available to them.  They also slow down the connection for other users who simply want to connect.

To rid myself of these problems, I only go to establishments where users have to pay for Internet connectivity.  Not only does a usage fee filter out unnecessary overcrowding, it also provides a peace of mind that you would otherwise not receive at a coffee shop offering free Wi-Fi.  The extra cost is not a bother for me at all, since I expense the fee to my business.

Starbuck’s Canada has been offering Wi-Fi services for quite a while now.  Their usage fees are pretty decent and a perfect fit for people like me.  Plus, anywhere you go, there’s a Starbucks to be found.  The internet service is provided by Bell Hotspot, so I can also connect to any Wi-Fi access point using this service.  Just imagine how much more crowded Starbuck’s can be if Wi-Fi was offered for free.  A scary thought indeed.  

I tend to find less laptop users at most Starbuck’s locations in my area.  The connection speeds are consistently fast, since the usage fee will limit the amount of people using the service.  There’s also enough tables and seats to be found, along with suitable power outlets.  However, just in case a power outlet can’t be found, I bring along my trusty APC Universal Notebook Battery.  I always have more than enough battery time to finish off my work.

If you’re a business professional or a power user, sometimes paying for Wi-Fi is worth it.  You’ll be able to surf and work at speeds comparable to the high speed connection you have at home.  There are no bandwidth hogs to worry about, connection problems and throngs of laptop users looking to grab an I.P.  You get a peace of mind, albeit with a fee to scare away all those leeches.