My experiance with Telstra Air is get more than 100m and its next to useless.
I would expect that to be the case with all wifi points; they may be able to use a high power transmitter but you're only using a low power one. Shopping centres and such use multiple points dotted around the place.
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
I read anecdotes from many people, that they park near a Telstra Air spot, start downloading content for later viewing then go shopping or grab a coffee while leaving the device locked away in the car. I've done much the same myself and it works. For general internet use I typically use my phone data though.
Pretty pleased with many towns/parks now with free wi-fi access. Often it's a case of wandering into the centre of the township/pub or the like for a reliable signal, but definitely doable. Not debating one service over another, but you dont have to have Telstra connection to get a signal in most places. Just as an example, another place was Kimba, SA free campground, it had a good wi-fi signal from my Van. I have a Moose/Optus plan and it works in 99% of places, within reason. Surprised to find a wi-fi/recharge point at semi-remote Farm Beach, SA campground, worked well. Hopefully more of these amazing remote installations will become more widespread.
I haven't been on a long enough trip yet (cos I only got a vehicle a week before Covid hit) to worry too much about it (and I'm soooo not tecno savvy) but I have found when I book into C.P. for a shower that a lot have free WiFi. At Coober Pedy I got to charge up and connect with family in underground cool comfort.
Glad to here some free camps are having it now
A.T.M. I'm home and I go into the library to download my audio books, it's free, fast and saves my data allowance
No, it pays to be carefull on what you search for over public wi-fi. Personally I dont do any internet banking, just in person at a Bank. My VISA Card has been compromised 5 times in 8 years..... I dont know how? ....but it certainly makes me wary of any online, or even ATM transactions
