With a little research and planning, you can reduce your internet costs to zero. There are several ways to get free internet in public and at home.

Many cities and communities are building publicly available Wi-Fi networks that offer free access to residents and visitors. All that is needed to access the Internet is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with built-in Wi-Fi support. Most city-provided Wi-Fi networks have limited bandwidth, but they work well for checking email and surfing the web.

If you already have an internet service provider at home, it probably offers access to company-owned or affiliated Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. Wi-Fi hotspots serve businesses, public places, and even entire communities.

Using one of these hotspots is best for people traveling for work or pleasure. The free access is a much better deal than what some hotels charge, and the connection speed is usually much faster, so you can stream music and movies, play games, surf the web, or check your email without interruption.