Germany already has a grassroots, volunteer-run network of free WiFi hotspots called Freifunk [1], which has pretty decent coverage in a lot of the larger cities. I'm sure similar initiatives exist in other EU countries.
Does Wifi4EU leverage this in any way? Nope, there is no way for volunteer-run networks to get included in the app [2]. Instead, it looks like municipalities have to apply for Wifi4EU funding (which they currently can't because "The next call has not been announced."), set up brand new hotspots themselves, and only then are eligible for inclusion in the app's database. [3]
Volunteer-run infrastructure is fine, but you cannot rely on it. Can you really blame a volunteer if things break? No. They will hopefully fix it on they own time and dime, and that's good.
Volunteer-managed infrastructure is a courtesy. The fact that it's been reliable so far is no indicator of future reliability.
EU-driven initiative on the other hand supplies funds (15'000 euros, for proper hardware, maintenance and replacement parts) and uniformity: users in spain will have to go through the same procedures and configurations whether they are in italy, spain, germany, france or any other eu member state (does freifunk does the same?)
I don't think it would've been very difficult to include volunteer networks in the database and allow users the option to fall back on them if a EU-funded network is not available (including a warning about potential eavesdropping issues by the volunteer).
Unpopular view perhaps, but public WiFi seems obsolete except for where cell signal can’t reach. 5G is usually faster and somewhat more secure than connecting to access points.
> The budget of the WiFi4EU initiative is EUR 120 million between 2018 and 2020.
Looks like this is not a new thing, it would be nice to have a more unified experience across the EU (Just like https://eduroam.org), but I wonder if it would be more useful to have a unified minimum data cap on mobile networks instead of building out WiFi coverage across cities?
Wi-Fi has the advantage of being usable on devices without a cell modem as well, such as most laptops, e-readers etc.
That said, now that many phones support dual-SIM, I do wish there was a low-friction way to connect to a local 5G network without downloading an eSIM profile and all that.
How does this mesh with 5G? I don't use it (old phone) but I understood 5G is meant to offer similar bandwidth - and in fact somehow WiFi can be a part of a 5G network (maybe this bit I'm getting wrong...).
5G WiFi and 5G the collection of cell phone technology standards have practically nothing in common other than they're both collection of RF signaling standards. 5G for cell phones means the 5th generation of standards, 5G for WiFi is meaning WiFi networks operating around 5GHz (5.15–5.85 GHz). Which 5Ghz WiFi is quite a ways away RF-wise from the normal 2.4GHz.
Just to make things confusing, there's also WiFi 5 (previously known as 802.11ac) which is a collection of WiFi standards. You can operate WiFi 5 on 5GHz. But you could also operate WiFi 4 (previously known as 802.11n) on 5GHz or 2.4GHz. WiFi 6 operates on 2.4GHz or 5GHz, and 6E operates on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. WiFi 7 and 8 operate on 2.4, 5, and 6GHz.
Oh yes, I was aware there is WiFi at 5GHz, also called 5G. Rather, I understood that the behemoth that is "5G mobile internet" somehow incorporates wifi too. But maybe I just got myself confused there.
For 7EUR/month I have 30GB of data transfer + unlimited SMS and calls in my my country + ~8GB of data in whole EU, every month. There is no cheaper option. Who needs public Wi-Fi?
EU should increase the competitiveness of communication operators and not finance such stupid ideas. Also map in that app is online only. So you need internet access to get internet access...
From the site:
"Privacy-friendly with no tracking:
Your privacy is important. The WiFi4EU app ensures a private online experience with no tracking or data collection."
This app can only be installed via the GOOGLE/APPLE app stores, so this is a lie.
NIH as far as the eye can see:
Germany already has a grassroots, volunteer-run network of free WiFi hotspots called Freifunk [1], which has pretty decent coverage in a lot of the larger cities. I'm sure similar initiatives exist in other EU countries.
Does Wifi4EU leverage this in any way? Nope, there is no way for volunteer-run networks to get included in the app [2]. Instead, it looks like municipalities have to apply for Wifi4EU funding (which they currently can't because "The next call has not been announced."), set up brand new hotspots themselves, and only then are eligible for inclusion in the app's database. [3]
[1]: https://freifunk.net/
[2]: https://forum.freifunk.net/t/wifi4eu-vs-freifunk/21686
[3]: https://wifi4eu.ec.europa.eu/
Some russian and chinese volunteers, just what we need
I think the EU initiative is better.
Volunteer-run infrastructure is fine, but you cannot rely on it. Can you really blame a volunteer if things break? No. They will hopefully fix it on they own time and dime, and that's good.
Volunteer-managed infrastructure is a courtesy. The fact that it's been reliable so far is no indicator of future reliability.
EU-driven initiative on the other hand supplies funds (15'000 euros, for proper hardware, maintenance and replacement parts) and uniformity: users in spain will have to go through the same procedures and configurations whether they are in italy, spain, germany, france or any other eu member state (does freifunk does the same?)
I don't think it would've been very difficult to include volunteer networks in the database and allow users the option to fall back on them if a EU-funded network is not available (including a warning about potential eavesdropping issues by the volunteer).
Can you blame anyone if "official" free WiFi breaks? I doubt it.
Unpopular view perhaps, but public WiFi seems obsolete except for where cell signal can’t reach. 5G is usually faster and somewhat more secure than connecting to access points.
WiFi map: https://wifi4eu.ec.europa.eu/#/list-accesspoints
This kind of apps/databases was much more necessary before EU got rid of (most of the) data roaming fees.
This is indeed an old initiative, it's not a new thing.
yeah I have free roaming up until like 20GB in the EU with a 25e per month contract. Removes really any need to use wifi when travelling
Still nice to be able to open your tablet/laptop somewhere and get some work done without worrying about consumption.
> The budget of the WiFi4EU initiative is EUR 120 million between 2018 and 2020.
Looks like this is not a new thing, it would be nice to have a more unified experience across the EU (Just like https://eduroam.org), but I wonder if it would be more useful to have a unified minimum data cap on mobile networks instead of building out WiFi coverage across cities?
Wi-Fi has the advantage of being usable on devices without a cell modem as well, such as most laptops, e-readers etc.
That said, now that many phones support dual-SIM, I do wish there was a low-friction way to connect to a local 5G network without downloading an eSIM profile and all that.
80 hotspots in a single building, and none in the city. Seems like public funds were well used again.
Maybe it's just not adopted in your city yet?
> Connect to over 93 000 hotspots across the EU:
Why are they using yet another SSID? Shouldn't this be compatible with Openroaming? The map in the app does not load while offline, btw.
How does this mesh with 5G? I don't use it (old phone) but I understood 5G is meant to offer similar bandwidth - and in fact somehow WiFi can be a part of a 5G network (maybe this bit I'm getting wrong...).
5G WiFi and 5G the collection of cell phone technology standards have practically nothing in common other than they're both collection of RF signaling standards. 5G for cell phones means the 5th generation of standards, 5G for WiFi is meaning WiFi networks operating around 5GHz (5.15–5.85 GHz). Which 5Ghz WiFi is quite a ways away RF-wise from the normal 2.4GHz.
Just to make things confusing, there's also WiFi 5 (previously known as 802.11ac) which is a collection of WiFi standards. You can operate WiFi 5 on 5GHz. But you could also operate WiFi 4 (previously known as 802.11n) on 5GHz or 2.4GHz. WiFi 6 operates on 2.4GHz or 5GHz, and 6E operates on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. WiFi 7 and 8 operate on 2.4, 5, and 6GHz.
Oh yes, I was aware there is WiFi at 5GHz, also called 5G. Rather, I understood that the behemoth that is "5G mobile internet" somehow incorporates wifi too. But maybe I just got myself confused there.
gpt: WiFi 7E operates on 5, 6, and 7GHz
[dead]
But why?
For 7EUR/month I have 30GB of data transfer + unlimited SMS and calls in my my country + ~8GB of data in whole EU, every month. There is no cheaper option. Who needs public Wi-Fi?
EU should increase the competitiveness of communication operators and not finance such stupid ideas. Also map in that app is online only. So you need internet access to get internet access...
From the site: "Privacy-friendly with no tracking: Your privacy is important. The WiFi4EU app ensures a private online experience with no tracking or data collection." This app can only be installed via the GOOGLE/APPLE app stores, so this is a lie.
Is it not on fDroid? Does it prevent sideloading?