Non-profit organization promotes public wireless networks in Oregon

• WiFi allows laptop computers a high-speed wireless Internet link using radio waves.
• That means connecting to the Web in WiFi "hot spots" outdoors, at home, in a cafe, no plug required.
• WiFi is free to hot spot visitors, and Personal Telco does not charge the hot spot cafe to set up WiFi.
• But the cafe owner must buy an access point -- typically a little black box with two antennas -- for about $70 and pay roughly $25 to $55 a month (depending on the package) to an Internet service provider for the high-speed connection that makes WiFi possible.
• Personal Telco suggests that businesses use providers such as Stephouse, Integra Telecom and EasyStreet that allow unlimited sharing of their Internet connection.
• Comcast and Qwest, the biggies in Portland, sell high-speed Internet connections for desktop computers.
• They deploy dependable, readily available armies of customer service and repair workers, offer multiple other products and can bundle Internet service with telephone (Qwest) or cable television (Comcast).
• Comcast offers WiFi in homes, limiting use to five wireless devices, and will work with businesses that want WiFi.
• Customers pay $29.99 a month for WiFi through cell phone provider T-Mobile in 3,400 Starbucks nationwide (also Borders Books & Music and other locations).
• Click on the WiFi icon to choose a connection.
• Then click on your Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, and you're online.
• Steve Ciaffoni, seeking work, 47, is scanning online want ads while hanging at trendy Portland WiFi hot spots like Stumptown Coffee.
• Jon Garcia, sushi server, 25, says WiFi hotspots like Vivace, 2287 N.W. Pettygrove St., give him the option to be social.