Access to wifi signals

[Roseallee]

Hi Everyone,
I will carry an iTouch when I walk Sept./Oct. Does anyone have recent experience? Are open signals easy to find, at least in the larger centres? How about experience using iTouch with Skype along the Camino or Spain in general? I gather it is possible in Europe now? Thanks, Roseallee

[Leslie]

More and more hostels have internet and wifi, but a lot of the time you will be far from any usable signal.

My experience is there are fewer open wifi networks here than in the US, it is getting better but slowly. I would not expect too much from the areas that you are walking along re wifi. And yes I use skype via my mobile.

[Roseallee]

Hi Leslie,
Yes, that's what I have heard. There are very few places without a hotspot here now. I gather that Skype for iPods is not in Canada as yet. Even if I can get access with it once a week, I will be content. I imagine in the bigger centres en route it should be available? Advice on such locations, anyone?

[ken huocj]

More and more hostels have internet and wifi, but a lot of the time you will be far from any usable signal.
And yes I use skype via my mobile.

A Do you have a Skye tel number tht others call from outside spain?

B. What Phone cards do you buy in France &/or Spain

[Leslie]

I have a skype number but it is an irish number - it does come to my mobile but only when I am in a wifi area and logged in - otherwise I have the skype number setup to redirect to my mobile. Now this is fine for Ireland but not outside of Ire.

I have been a bit lazy with this as my mobile costs are not very high and I just use it anywhere in Europe and did the same in Canada. But when we go somewhere for a while we just buy a new phone or a sim card and put into one of the old phones we have. We are in the Czech Republic for three weeks in Sep and will just use Czech sim cards.

As for phone cards - i have no idea as I have never used them.

[ken huocj]

Thnx - Sim card will be my solution

[viclindal]

Skype and Canada work very well.
I was interested in Spain as I see others are as well
Vic

[Covey]

The Spanish are not really in to WiFi hotspots and most of the internet in the albergues is a Pay Per Minute service which is hard wired to the PC. Some private albergues use wireless but not often for public use.

As an IT Consultant I have an interest in such matters, but the broadband speeds appear to be slow by UK standards and therefore not that suitable for hot spot use. I doubt you will find many places along the Camino Frances where you can pick up a good enough signal to use for Skype.

[viclindal]

Much appreciate.
Will find a way to get by.
Will report my findings.
Leave on April 13