Facebook is launching a service it calls Find Wi-Fi on iPhone and Android devices globally. The Find Wi-Fi service is expected to let you know of any free Wi-Fi services in different locations.
In a blog post earlier today, the social media company said “Find Wi-Fi helps you locate available Wi-Fi hot spots nearby that businesses have shared with Facebook from their Page. So wherever you are, you can easily map the closest connections when your data connection is weak.”
To use the service, one would have to click on the “More” tab and scroll down to “Find Wi-Fi” to see free or public Wi-Fi close to you but remember that this doesn’t mean you get to see the list of such services in your area automatically. Facebook actually depends on information from businesses who wish to share such information. But it’s pretty safe to assume that private and public organisations who have already shared such information publicly would have their service seen by all in that area which means that if you are within range of the public Wi-Fi service at Alausa park in Lagos for example, you will get to see the option when you check.
The service though expects you the user to also turn on your Location History in order to update your Activity Log.
As good as this sounds though, please know that public Wi-Fi could also be dangerous especially if your information is not being shared over an SSL (secure socket layer) connection.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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