Comments on: Why Does Wireless Internet Access Suck In Western Europe?

By: BI

BI — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:17:31 +0000

This was a really interesting read. I always assumed that wealthier countries in Western Europe would automatically have more free Wi-Fi available everywhere, but the explanation about taxes and the widespread use of mobile broadband makes a lot of sense. If most people already have fast internet on their phones, cafes probably don’t feel the need to offer free Wi-Fi. It’s also surprising to see how countries with lower GDP like Romania can still have incredibly fast internet speeds. This article does a great job of showing that technology access is influenced by many factors beyond just a country’s wealth. Great insights for travelers who rely on Wi-Fi while exploring Europe!

By: Anil Polat

Anil Polat — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:33:07 +0000

In reply to Frank.

Eastern Europe is very, very, good in general: https://foxnomad.com/2012/03/15/why-is-the-internet-in-romania-so-damn-fast/

By: Frank

Frank — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 05:18:26 +0000

What about Austria , Czech Republic ? Slovakia , Hungary , and Poland ? That is where I am going .

By: Sami Kynttelikkö

Sami Kynttelikkö — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:50:47 +0000

This article is so true. Except on the part of Nordic countries. At least in Finland there is many free Wifi hotspots. Almost any cafe in city centres have them and I don’t think (but I am not sure either) that those places pay any tax for it. Internet is fast and cheap, but many public spots (like parks) lack the service.

In Germany however, things are truly ridiculous. Wlan hotspots are provided by different companies and usually you have to pay the company to get access to their hotspot (and you never know which bar/cafe/restaurant uses which hotspot). Connections are slow and they tend to lose their signal very often. There are some free hotspots with limited time constraints which tends to be very tedious. Apparently the legislation is overwhelmingly strict in Germany which is a shame.

By: Anil Polat

Anil Polat — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:28:17 +0000

In reply to Juergen.

A factor, in Germany, good point. Though it’s not the case in other countries like England for example, where courts have ruled the opposite.

http://www.bbc.com/news/10116606