Do all German airports lack free wifi?
I've just been talking to another traveller who was particularly grumpy about Munich airport not having free wifi when he was there recently.
Now I seem to recall that Germany has pretty strict laws prohibiting open wifi access because the person providing the wifi would have some responsibility if somebody were to do some hacking over their signal.
But I don't know whether that law prohibits all kinds of free wifi or only the kind where a user doesn't need a password or key or have to enter any kind of info into a page that comes up first before allowing through access to the net.
Or could it be some exclusivity deal where some restaurant or cafe paid the airport for rights to be the only WIFI provider or some such thing?
So is it only Munich airport that lacks free wifi or do all German airports lack free wifi due to a law as outlined above?
Best Answer
It's generally hard to find free WiFi in Germany; it's pretty much as you said and has something to do with the fact that the hotspot owner would be hold responsible for whatever his users or guests do or download on his network. There was a case about this a few years ago where some kid used his neighbors open wifi and downloaded movies or music - therefore most small shops, cafes or restaurants want to avoid any hassle with the law and rather don't offer free WiFi.
Some big cities have dedicated pages for wifi hotspots (http://www.freewifiberlin.com/), and for some cities you can get apps that show you the open hotspots.
You can sign up with Telecom who runs some hotspots in train stations, airports and big public places, but it's rather expensive. If you stay longer in Germany you should get a 3g modem for your laptop, this would probably your cheapest and most reliable solution.
If you travel via train you can at least charge your laptop in most long distance trains; and some trains even offer WiFi via the Telecom hotspot account.
Never seen any starbucks in germany - all the small bakeries are the places to go for fresh kuchen and coffee in the morning!
Pictures about "Do all German airports lack free wifi?"
Does Germany Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Passengers and visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi 24/7 at the airport. Frankfurt Airport offers unlimited Internet access for all guests. With us you do not have to do without anything - stay networked! This service is available from more than 300 Wi-Fi access points at Frankfurt Airport.Do all airplanes and airports have free Wi-Fi?
Most airports around the U.S. and abroad provide free Wi-Fi service to travelers stranded in their terminals, waiting for their flights. While this service may appear to be generous, a recent study by Coronet, a cybersecurity company, suggests you might want to think twice before connecting to the airport's Wi-Fi.Do most airports have free Wi-Fi?
While most of the country's busiest airports offer free Wi-Fi, some charge for the service on a daily or monthly basis \u2013 but even paid public Wi-Fi can be risky. \u201cAt some airports, they're prompting you to enter your payment credentials and transmit that information on a connection that is not secure,\u201d says Guccione.Does the Munich Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Munich Airport is now offering all passengers free wifi for as long as they want. Complimentary internet access at the airport was previously only available for 30 minutes. But now MUC has partnered with network provider Deutsche Telekom to provide unlimited free access.Why can't you find free wifi in Germany?
More answers regarding do all German airports lack free wifi?
Answer 2
Munich airport free WiFi is now available for as long as you want!
Answer 3
Not all the German airports lack free WIFI. Two examples:
In Frankfurt (FRA) you are entitled to 30 Minutes of free WIFI. These 30 Minutes are per mobile phone number.
In Cologne-Bonn (CGN) there is free and unlimited WIFI.
Answer 4
Free WiFi in Germany is really a problem. There are legal issues (owner of WiFi is liable for any actions done from this WiFi) and many hotels, airports and Telcos think it is reasonable to charge you with 2-10 EUR/h.
There are free hotspots at Starbucks, McDonald's (not sure), but generally rare.
Recently I have seen some new free Internet terminals at Munich airport (at least in Terminal 2), but I think that's so 90's.
Answer 5
I think the problen is not the law. In Germany, many coffee shops have free Wi-Fi.
I think the issues is that the landlord, Fraport or Munich airport is somehow connected to Deutsche Telecom.
They get paid to ensure there is no competition to the telephone company monopoly Wi-Fi provider. It would be a good case to take to the European Commission as I am sure it breaches EU competition law!
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