There's no real solid way to tell on the iPad but it's just a gut reaction. Speedtest will not show an increase most likely because it's not download speeds that are generally improved. I signed up for free, set up within minutes, and changed my dns server to theirs instead of my isp's, and I can tell a difference on any computer connected to my router at home.

Perhaps I just noticed a difference because my dns my ISP uses is just THAT bad, but it's worth a try.

OpenDNS | Internet Navigation And Security

Odns is good for security as well

Im pretty sure i could find it on my PC, but how do you change the DNS server in the iPad? Or is there some router thing that you need to change?

I changed it on my wireless router. You have to sign up for an account, it's free. Then they will walk you through it. Basically you change the DNS and backup DNS server to their IP instead of "get from ISP automatically". Also, if you have a dynamic IP you need to install a small piece of software on your computer that hosts the internet connection so that it keeps your account updated with the new IP each time it switches.

I just changed my FIOS router to opendns, let's see if it helps. Thanks for the tip!

Come back, and let us know!
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Sounds like an ad, I'm not paying extra for a dns, it's bad snuff I pay so much for my dsl..

In 10 years from now all high speed will be free, like hotspots are becoming more free..

Did you even read the thread?

apparently not.

And free high speed in 10 years? I doubt that. It's a nice thought, but I know my high speed internet rates haven't done anything but go up in the last 10 years. The best case is that home internet will be cheaper for any areas other than those highly populated localles (NYC, LA, etc.) and MAYBE it might be free in the high population locations, but "free for everyone" is much longer away than that.

Hell, there are homes that don't even have cell service/high-speed access.

What a dream.

Anyway, OT: Thanks OP, I might have to check that out. I'm pretty lazy and the browsing is *sufficient* for me, however faster = always better

I did this a while back on my home router and noticed a slight difference on all the pcs in the house. Now that I think about it, the iPad does seem to resolve faster when I'm at home than on public hotspots. I just figured it was because I had a better connection, but this could have something to do with it.

BTW, for those that missed it OpenDNS is free.

As for free broadband, I seem to be seeing the opposite. Everywhere I go now wifi is locked up and a paid service. The days of free hotspots are pretty much gone around where I live and where I have traveled. On our recent trip to CO, the only place I could get any kind of internet was at our hotel. Other hotels, restaurants, etc were all locked down and there was no data service available through ATT anywhere we went. I would occaisionally get an edge signal, but it was generally so slow it was worthless.

Motorola Droid rooted with WiFi Tether is awesome. You get the quality and reliability from Verizon without having to pay extra for a 3G iPad or for 3G access from AT&T that will most likely have little to no signal.

Yeah, if I traveled a lot, I would do something like that, or even get one of Verizon's portable hotspot boxes. Luckily, I'm usually just around home where ATT is pretty good.

Hotspots are becoming available more and more.. My local malls all have free hotspots, and my Internet service provider used to charge to access their hotspots, now it's free!

Del taco has free wifi, I just saw this at their window the other day..

And hi speed will be free, u might have to deal with a lot of ads, but eventually will be free...

I wish we had free hotspots here. I can find hotspots everywhere, but very few are free. I did read that Starbucks is going to stop charging for theirs - that's good news. I think McDonald's has switched to free as well. Too bad I never go to either of those places.

As for cellular wiresless, that will not be free for a VERY long time if ever. The major carriers are making too much money. Verizon is quickly pushing all their phones to require a data plan. I expect other carriers to do the same. Putting up the infrastructure for 3G/4G data is very expensive - they arent going to turn around and give it away.

Free hotspots are also usually slow as molasses as well.

Uhhh, I said highspeed Internet will be free soon in 10 yrs or 20 yrs never did I say that cellular coverage will be free..

Look at how much the price dropped, when high speed came out it was like almost 100 bucks, now I pay 15 and I have free access to hotspots..

Burger king

McDonalds

Del taco

Local malls

And star bucks will soon have or already have
free wifi..

well, highspeed is a fairly ambiguous term. I guess you are referring to dsl, cable, etc. I still dont see them being free any time soon. They could get very cheap though. Someone still has to spend the money to make the service available. That involves a lot of equipment to install and maintain. Phone service providers are busy trying to get the world on fiber to the door service and that takes revenue.

I hope you're right! I would love to have free internet everywhere. Unfortunately, I rarely eat fast food or go to malls. Luckily, ATT has pretty good coverage in my city and my company pays my data bill

I'm really surprised Starbucks waited so long. They're pitching the "it's all for you, our customer" angle but the truth is that it can't have been generating much revenue; since any AT&T account (dial-up, DSL, wireless data, etc) gets you free access and most are located close to free hotspots and *$ themselves started throwing it in for various promotions, hardly anyone was paying anyway, as far as I can tell.

I hear they have a pro paid version now.

True. All I can tell that gives you is more sophisticated blocking capabilities. The free version is all most people will ever need.