Question on where, if anywhere, to find free WIFI in West Philly. (Philadelphia: hotel)

[Mimidae]

Hello,

If you were living in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philly / University City for 3 months and decided to forego a home internet connection for that duration, but still wanted to check your email once a day, is there anywhere besides the local cafes where you could go to pick up a free WIFI connection? I don't mean illegally. I know one can always buy a cup of coffee at places like the Green Line, and get a connection there, but I'm wondering if there's anywhere else a person with an Ipod can go to briefly (and safely) use an internet connection. Like a library? Somewhere on the campuses that's open to the public? A public park? 30th street station? The closer to Cedar Park the better, but I'm open to any suggestions.

Reason the couple in question is considering going without internet for the summer: high cost (the internet being offered is twice what they're used to paying, and they're poor), and also a desire to ween themselves off of useless internet sites in an effort to be more productive and experience more "real life" while they're staying in Philly. But one still needs occasional email access.

I don't know if this is a crazy question, or not. I know Philly was considering city-wide WIFI for a time. I thought it was worth checking on if there's any free WIFI, outside of cafes.

[ElijahAstin]

Most places on the U City side of West Philly have it, given the huge student presence.

[Finger Laker]

On the Drexel campus you should be fine connecting as a guest .... not sure how strong of a connection it is though or what you are needing

Drexel Guest Network - Office of Information Resources and Technology

It looks like Penn is a little more restrictive with their guest access on their network, but there may be a way around it

Aside from their networks you should be able to find many places that have it for a periodic stop in

Could use this map to call what will be your local library and see what they offer as well

Free Library of Philadelphia Branch Locations -- Google Maps Version

[Mimidae]

Thanks! Very helpful. Just need 5 minutes once or twice a day to check email.

[Mimidae]

Updating this for any other technologically regressed cheap-skates looking for an answer. UPenn campus wifi is pretty restricted. Haven't checked out the Drexel campus yet. Unofficially, standing in line to see David Sedaris a couple of weeks ago, I found free wifi from the hotel next to the UPenn Bookstore.

Best option of all, if it's a nice day: Woodland Green at 42nd & Woodland Ave. Official free wifi spot, as well as a beautiful place to sit and bring a bagged lunch. There are often other people there, making it feel safe, but I would not stay for an extended period of time if totally alone - I mean while holding an iPod or laptop.

Otherwise, there's always buying a beverage and sitting at Milk & Honey, the Greenline, Gold Standard, Mood Cafe, probably most places that sell food and have seating. But sometimes not having to spend money to check your email for 5 minutes is nice. I wish there was free wifi in Clark Park!