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Wi-Fi Now

Wi-Fi Now
 

Overview 


Wi-Fi Now is a free application available for download in the Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore for U.S. Cellular® Android customers only.

Wi-Fi Now will make it easier for U.S. Cellular customers to take advantage of the benefits that Wi-Fi offers today:

  • Fast connection
  • Saves on data plan
  • Use the network while on the go; use Wi-Fi at home, office, or at public hotspots
It is an intelligent Wi-Fi connection application that will be available for most Android devices and will run in the background when activated. Wi-Fi Now can automatically connect to a Curated Virtual Network (CVN) of millions of qualified public hotspots with no user action required. The CVN uses constantly updated data on location and quality to provide availability of free, public, and private
Wi-Fi hotspots.

 

Demo 

Instructions 

  1. Wi-Fi Now application is compatible with Android OS version 2.2 or higher.

    Not compatible with the following devices:
    • HTC Desire
    • LG Optimus
    • LG Genesis
    • LG Apex
    • Samsung Acclaim
    • Samsung i100 Gem
 

  1. Go to Google Play store or Amazon Appstore and search for "wifinow".

    Or you can scan the QR Code with a QR Code reader.

 

  1. Download the application

 

  1. Once the application is downloaded, user will receive a notification the first time Wi-Fi is detected. The Wi-Fi on the device must be turned ON.

 

  1. Tap on the Wi-Fi Now banner in the alerts menu.

 

  1. User must read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).

 

  1. After accepting the EULA, the user will directed to the Wi-Fi Now settings menu.

 

  1. Subsequent launches will direct users to the Wi-Fi Now settings menu.

 

Application Settings 

Setup Home Network Provides step by step instructions for connecting to one's home network.
Hotspot Accounts Allows a user to add paid or restricted Wi-Fi accounts requiring usernames/passwords to their own personal footprint.
Report Locations Wi-Fi Now reports Wi-Fi network locations when connecting. This data is used to maintain the quality of the network.
Enable Wi-Fi Now This puts Wi-Fi Now into a passive mode where it is no longer automatically connecting the user to new hotspots (but will continue to connect to previously configured hotspots).
Help Tapping "Help" reveals help text
UUID Universally Unique Identifier. Based on an ID unique to the device and constant. Useful for customer support escalation.
Version Wi-Fi Now software version.
 

Notification Icons 

No icons displaying

When the Wi-Fi radio is off, there is no icon displayed.

Connection Status Icons

Displayed when the Wi-Fi radio is on, but there is no Wi-Fi internet connection. Displayed when the Wi-Fi radio is on and the device is connected to a Wi-Fi access point where internet connectivity has been established.

Alert Status Icons

This is shown under the following conditions:
  • Alert the user that the Wi-Fi client EULA needs to be approved.
  • Alert the user that the Wi-Fi portal terms and conditions need to be approved before the client can connect.
  • Also shown when a home network is detected.
This alerts the end user that a venue specific message is available to view. This will be rarely seen.

FAQs 

  1. Are there any download or usage charges for Wi-Fi Now?
    No, Wi-Fi Now is a free application for the use of U.S. Cellular customers only.
  2. How is the quality of the Wi-Fi network that I am connected to using Wi-Fi Now maintained?
    The Wi-Fi Now client monitors the quality of your Wi-Fi connection and should the Wi-Fi link quality be insufficient, Wi-Fi Now will move your data connection to an alternate hotspot or back to the U.S. Cellular data network.
  3. Where should I go to download the Wi-Fi Now application?
    Go to Google Play store and search for Wi-Fi Now application.
  4. How do I connect to my Home/Office Wi-Fi?
    If you want to connect to your home and/or office Wi-Fi, make sure you know your network name and network password. If you don't, ask the person in your home who manages your internet connection. Once you know the network name and password, open Wi-Fi Now application and tap on the "Set-up Home network" setting. Simply follow the instructions to set-up your home/office Wi-Fi.
  5. Why does Wi-Fi Now not connect sometimes, even though I'm near Wi-Fi?
    Wi-Fi Now will test the Wi-Fi connection for adequate quality, and if it's not working correctly will disconnect and not try it again for around 30 minutes or more. The reason for this is to always keep you connected to the best available network connection.
    If Wi-Fi Now fails to auto log-in to a Wi-Fi account you have added using the "Personal hotspot accounts" option, you should make sure you entered your username and password correctly when you set up the account on the device.
  6. Who do I contact if I need technical support for Wi-Fi Now?
    Contact U.S. Cellular customer support dial 611 from your U.S. Cellular phone (always a free call) or call toll-free number, 1-888-944-9400
  7. What is an open Wi-Fi Hotspot and how does Wi-Fi Now work differently than the device Wi-Fi?
    Open Hotspots are discoverable and free. When you use Wi-Fi Now you are seamlessly connected to Open Hotspots without any action. Example of Open Hotspot: Unsecured Home Wi-Fi; Library Wi-Fi; some Restaurant Wi-Fi
  8. What is a portal Wi-Fi hotspot and how does Wi-Fi Now work differently than the device Wi-Fi?
    Portal Hotspots are discoverable and free, but require users to accept terms and conditions. When you use Wi-Fi Now you are seamlessly connected to open Hotspots without any action. Wi-Fi Now automatically accepts the terms and conditions for the customer. Example of Portal Hotspot: Hotel Wi-Fi; Some Starbucks Wi-Fi;
    College Campus Wi-Fi.
  9. What is a Curated Virtual Network (CVN) of hotspots?
    A CVN is a network comprised of many Wi-Fi access points owned, operated, and maintained by many third parties. By curating millions of hotspots and filtering for quality of service, a CVN is a carrier-grade WiFi network with a remarkably large coverage footprint.
  10. Does the end user assume all responsibility when connecting with the Wi-Fi Now?
    Yes, the end user assumes all responsibility when connecting with the Wi-Fi Now to open hotspots. End user has to accept the terms and conditions prior to application activation.
  11. How secure is the public hotspot that a user is connected to via the Wi-Fi Now application?
    It is easy to secure home and business Wi-Fi connections to prevent unwanted user access. However, public Wi-Fi hotspots often don't provide over-the-air encryption which protects user data from possible observation from other users. Because of this, we recommend that you avoid credit card and banking transactions when accessing unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots and only share personal information with trusted web sites which offer encryption (those containing https at the beginning of the address).
  12. Does Wi-Fi drain battery on cell phones?
    No, Wi-Fi can be easier on the battery than 4G/3G. This tip is one that seems counter-intuitive, but one can save a lot of wear and tear on your Android phone's battery if you tell it to keep the Wi-Fi radio turned on and connected while the phone is sleeping. Your phone needs a lot of battery power to keep pinging the cell towers, and even more to transmit data to and from them. Wi-Fi radios use much less power because of their design, and they don't have to keep searching for a better access point.