Should Cities Offer Free Public Wi-Fi!

The smart city dream is making everyone enthusiastic but we are yet to realize the potential threat of having free Wi-Fi at public places. Some researchers have concluded that security is at higher threat with free Wi-Fi at public places. We wouldn't want to compromise with the security of our device which is most likely to contain confidential data which at wrong hands can spell havoc and that too for a few bucks worth free Wi-Fi. But once you spot an open Wi-Fi, it is absolutely instinctive to instantly get your device connected.
Positive Aspects of Free City Wi-Fi
Enhanced travelling experience (the opportunity to check your e-mail, talk or exchange messages with people you love and miss)
Business advantages (if you have to hold an urgent conference, meeting or presentation, but are really pressed for time, you can do that from any place, where Wi-Fi services are provided for free)
The chance to plan your day wisely (you don't have to postpone personal or business tasks if you have an opportunity to launch to the Wi-Fi network anywhere you need)
24/7 availability, which means that there are dozens (if not hundreds) of free Wi-Fi hotspots almost in any town, so, why don't you take a chance to make use of them when needed? That is an undeniable benefit, indeed!
Negative Aspects of Using Free Wi-Fi in Public Places
The necessity for the owners of coffee houses, restaurants and other places that offer free Wi-Fi to handle a number of technical and financial problems. This is triggered by the fact that setting up the network with numerous access points is not an easy task, which requires the handling of technical issues. This is not as simple as you may see and the process always requires additional financial investments. That is the main reason of the fact that many restaurants, hotels and other public facilities offer the service only to their clients.
If the government of the city decides to launch the Wi-Fi network, this will also require serious financial expenditures. As a result, they may increase different taxes to solve the problem. Correspondingly, "free" Wi-Fi will not be absolutely free.
Privacy concerns also matter a lot when it comes to using free Wi-Fi in public places. If the mobile device you are going to use in order to launch to the network is not properly protected, you face the increased risks of falling the victim of professional hackers. They may use your personal information for different malicious purposes without your awareness of the fact. This is a serious problem most governments are concerned with nowadays.

By: Saksham Gupta
Content: https://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-Free-Public-Wi-Fi&id=9433504