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Verizon Wi-Fi

General Information

  1. What is Verizon Wi-Fi?

    Verizon Wi-Fi is a service that enables qualified Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband and GlobalAccess subscribers to access the Internet at thousands of Wi-Fi hotspot locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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  2. What is Wi-Fi?

    Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance for certified products based upon IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless data transfer.

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  3. What is a hotspot?

    A hotspot is a specific area that offers Internet access for a notebook or netbook using a Wi-Fi wireless signal. Hotspots are often found at restaurants, airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public places.

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  4. Who is eligible for Verizon Wi-Fi service?

    If you are currently signed up for a Mobile Broadband or GlobalAccess monthly service plan on a month-to-month, one- or two-year contract term, you are eligible for complimentary Verizon Wi-Fi.

    Note: Prepaid Mobile Broadband, Mobile Broadband Connect, and smartphone users are not eligible for Verizon Wi-Fi.

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  5. Are there additional charges for the Verizon Wi-Fi service?

    No, there are no additional charges for the Verizon Wi-Fi service. The service is included with a monthly Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband or GlobalAccess service plan. Verizon Wi-Fi usage does not apply toward your monthly data allowance when connected to a hotspot. No allowances or monthly charges are associated with Verizon Wi-Fi when connected to a hotspot. Refer to your Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess plan for details and charges associated while connected through Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess.

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Locations

  1. Where will Verizon Wi-Fi work?

    Verizon Wi-Fi will work at thousands of Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide including the following:

    • Airports
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Cafes
    • Bookstores
    • Retail stores
    • Campgrounds
    • RV parks
    • Marinas
    • Libraries
    • Other public areas.
    In addition, there are many available locations in Canada and Mexico.

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  2. How can I find Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots?

      1. In VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher, select the “Wi-Fi Locations” tab on the screen. Use the location tool to search by location name, country, state, city, ZIP code or even by type of venue.

        Notes:
        • VZAccess Manager checks for location database updates once a week. If an update is available, you will be alerted to download it.
        • To view your version of VZAccess Manager, in the “Help” menu, select “About VZAccess Manager.”

    1. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/wi-fi to access the Verizon Wi-Fi Hotspot Directory to search for locations in your area. Enter the location you are interested in as directed.

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Requirements

  1. Who qualifies for Verizon Wi-Fi?

    Both new and current Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband and GlobalAccess monthly service users with a month-to-month, 1 or 2-year contract agreement and an eligible device qualify for Verizon Wi-Fi.

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  2. How do I know if my Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device is eligible?

    Verizon Wi-Fi requires a Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device activated on a monthly Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess service plan. Eligible devices are as follows:

    • USB Modems
    • PC Cards
    • ExpressCards™
    • 3G Dedicated Mobile Hotspot
    • Netbooks/Notebooks with Mobile Broadband Built-In
    Supported devices subject to availability. Visit www.vzam.net to check if your device is supported. Click “Supported Devices” to view if VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher is available for your Mobile Broadband device.

    Note for MiFi: MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot must be connected to your PC via the USB cable to access Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot locations. When in USB mode, Wi-Fi broadcast service on the MiFi is disabled; therefore only one PC at a time will be able to access the Internet from a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot using that tethered MiFi.

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  3. What equipment do I need to access Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots?

    If you already have a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook or netbook and a Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device, no additional equipment is needed to use the Verizon’s Wi-Fi service.

    If you don't have a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook or netbook, you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi network card or adapter and plug it into your computer (sold separately, please refer to manufacturer for additional information).

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  4. Do I need additional software to access Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots?

    Verizon Wi-Fi requires VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher. If your device was packaged with an older version of VZAccess Manager or a different connection manager, visit www.vzam.net to check for your device’s eligibility and download the latest version. VZAccess Manager will also prompt you when a new version of the software is available. You may also check for software updates at anytime within VZAccess Manager by selecting “Check for Updates” from the “Help” menu.

    • To view the version of VZAccess Manager installed on your notebook or netbook, open VZAccess Manager and select “About VZAccess Manager” from the “Help” menu.
    • VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher is supported on Windows® 2000, XP, Vista®, and 7. Some Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband devices are not supported on PCs running Windows 7. Visit www.vzam.net for support details regarding your specific Mobile Broadband device.
    • If using the Enterprise Release version of VZAccess Manager, contact your IT Administrator for additional support.
    • Verizon Wi-Fi service is not available on Mac® OS.

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Using Verizon Wi-Fi

  1. How will I know if I'm in a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot?

    If you have a Mobile Broadband or GlobalAccess monthly service plan and device, and have installed VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher, you can verify that you're in a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot by completing the following steps.

      1. Open VZAccess Manager.
      2. Ensure Wi-Fi hardware is powered on, with your notebook or netbook.
      3. Insert your Mobile Broadband device (USB modem, PC Card, ExpressCard®, or Dedicated Mobile Hotspot) or power on your Mobile Broadband Built-In module.
      4. When in range of a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot, “Verizon Wi-Fi Access”will appear as an available hotspot connection under “Available Network.”

        Note: You may need to press "F5" or click “View” and select “Refresh” from the menu to refresh the list of available hotspots in your location.

    1. Once you've verified you're in a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot, you can access the Internet by selecting and highlighting “Verizon Wi-Fi Access” under “Available Network” and clicking “Connect Wi-Fi” in the bottom right corner of the application.
    2. A pop-up window will appear to alert you once the connection has been established.

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  2. What factors can affect my connection speed while using Verizon Wi-Fi?

    Wi-Fi signal strength may vary by hotspot location and can be affected by many factors, including the location of wireless infrastructure, the direction of the wireless antenna, building architecture and materials, and the number of other active wireless devices in operation at the location.

    If you experience a weaker signal or loss of signal, you can try relocating within the immediate area to improve the signal strength.

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  3. How do I disconnect from the Verizon Wi-Fi connection?

    To disconnect from Verizon Wi-Fi, select “Disconnect Wi-Fi” from the bottom right corner of the application. A pop-up window will appear to alert you when the connection has been terminated.

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  4. Are there any limitations to the activities I can enjoy at a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot?

    Some hotspots may not always provide the minimum download speeds or bandwidth required for all Internet activities. Some Internet activities like watching streaming video require minimum download speeds or bandwidth. The connection speed and available bandwidth may vary between hotspots. These differences are caused by several factors including the location of wireless infrastructure, the direction of the wireless antenna, building architecture and materials, and the number of other wireless devices in operation at the location.

    If you discover you have a weaker Wi-Fi signal, you may want to try to move to another location within the hotspot. A location closer to the access point and without walls or other obstructions in the line-of-sight will generally have a stronger signal.

    Verizon Wireless reminds you to only download legal content.

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Security

  1. Is Verizon Wi-Fi compatible with VPN?

    Yes, you can establish a VPN connection while using Verizon Wi-Fi. Contact your IT administrator for further assistance.

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  2. Why does my VPN disconnect when I switch between networks (e.g. from Mobile Broadband to Wi-Fi and vice versa)?

    Many enterprise VPNs require the end user’s network connection to not change locations or IP addresses for security. For any questions, concerns or assistance with your company’s VPN, please contact your IT administrator or help desk.

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  3. Is Verizon Wi-Fi secure?

    While home and business Wi-Fi hotspots can easily be secured to prevent unauthorized user access, public Wi-Fi hotspots generally do not include over-the-air encryption to protect user data from observation from other users. As such, Verizon Wireless recommends that you always use a firewall on your computer and have current anti-virus software to protect your computer from possible infection or attack.

    Note: Risks can be associated with connecting to the public Internet. You are responsible for taking all necessary steps to protect your computer and personal information. Use of up-to-date antivirus, firewall, and VPN software are recommended to protect your information.

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Troubleshooting

  1. Where do I go to get customer support for the Verizon Wi-Fi service?

    Additional support information may be found in our Customer Forums or support website. If you need additional assistance, please contact Customer Service at (800) 922-0204.

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  2. Will my security software affect my use of Verizon Wi-Fi?

    In most circumstances, you will be able to use your current security software. For further support, contact your security software provider directly.

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