Comments on: FON: A Review

By: Bigpolly

Bigpolly — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:23:24 +0000

Going sailing. Could I use a FON router on my boat in France? While we’re away noone could share using a map to my home … can they also be detected through the ether? Are there any other costs associated with it or just the router and off you go?

By: Ross

Ross — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:33:47 +0000

Boo, no luck with the invite. It’s just a link to fon.com as far as I can make out.

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:48:39 +0000

Thanks for the tip James. I have now updated my fon access portal to point to something for the local community, and it's map based so it'll make you happy.

By: Ross

Ross — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:54:57 +0000

Cheers Alex. Received an “Alex wants you to join FON” email this morning so I’ll have a closer look after work. Thanks!

By: Alex Turnbull

Alex Turnbull — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:16:22 +0000

I have an invite if you’d still like one Ross?

edit: Well I /think/ I have “invites” – I’ve never actually set my fon up….

By: Ross

Ross — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:11:37 +0000

Where’s a wiki with an invites page when you need it?

By: James Turnbull

James Turnbull — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:42:23 +0000

Actually, don't buy one as every FON user can give a free router to someone else.

I think I promised mine to Olly but there's a few folk who got a free one when I did.

Perhaps someone can sign you up for a free one?

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:08:26 +0000

Realised after I posted that it’s not a modem so won’t be affected by the types of disconnects I was wondering about. I reckon I might fork out for one, it’s a cheap way to get free wifi from the routers spread all over the place.

By: James Turnbull

James Turnbull — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:17:03 +0000

Ross, I haven't noticed any disconnects.The port forwarding features are good, just as easy as the D-link.

I also meant to mention that it's basically just a mini Linux box, there's even a special build of OpenWRT for it.

Cookie, it honestly was free! They only gave away a limited number and now the routers are €40 each (which still seems like a OK deal to me).

By: Cookie Monster

Cookie Monster — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:50:39 +0000

I may be an old cynic but i’m thinking there is no such thing as free router. Whats the catch? How do these FON people make any money and how can they afford to give away routers? Honest questions i may add – i’m not trying to be contrary.