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Cincinnati Bell WiFi Product Support

Are you looking for product help for WiFi services? Please select the appropriate section below.



Internet: WiFi

Setup Instructions

Setting up your computer to work with Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service is simple. You may want to print these instructions for later use. Although you can configure your computer to work with Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service from home, you will not be able to connect to or use the WiFi Service until you are at a Hot Spot location.

Use the following instructions to configure your computer to use the WiFi service.

First Time Users - Set the Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service Profile

  1. Create a Profile and set the Profile Name to cbwifi (all lowercase).

  2. Set the SSID (or Network Name) to cbwifi (all lowercase).

    NOTE: Make sure WEP Encryption is disabled.

  3. Once the profile is set, you will not have to perform these steps again. If you use another wireless network (such as corporate wireless LAN), you WILL have to reselect the cbwifi Profile each time you access Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service at a public Hot Spot by following the For Subsequent Uses instructions below.

For Subsequent Uses - Reselect the Profile Manager

  1. Launch and view your wireless network Properties

  2. Open Profile Selection (may be called Network Selection).

  3. Click cbwifi from the drop-down text list.

  4. Click Apply then click OK. You are now ready to access the WiFi Service using the Accessing instructions below.

Accessing the Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service

    NOTE; In order to access and use the Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service, you must physically be in a Hot Spot Location. Your computer cannot access the WiFi Service if you are not in a Hot Spot Location.

  1. Launch your browser.

  2. In your browser window, enter the URL wifi.cincinnatibell.com and press the Enter key.

  3. If you are purchasing the WiFi Service, please make your selection and follow the onscreen instructions.

  4. If you are ZoomTown with Fuse customer, enter your primary Fuse/ZoomTown email address and Fuse password in the CB WiFi User Name and Password fields and press the Enter key.

  5. You now have WiFi Internet access!

    NOTE: The WiFi Service range is approximately 150 feet.

Need help? Call the Cincinnati Bell Help Desk at 513.397.7922 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to midnight.

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What is Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

WiFi is short for wireless fidelity, which is the less technical name for 802.11-based technology. In short, Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service is a wireless network that uses a high-speed ADSL connection and an access point to allow customers to surf the Internet within a specific geographic range. WiFi customers will also need a NIC (network interface card) for their laptop in order for the WiFi Service to work.

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How secure is Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

Cincinnati Bell does not enable WEP (Wired Equivalency Protection) on any of the wireless equipment used in our networks. Therefore, no special keys are required to use our WiFi Internet Service. WEP encryption is not yet practical for a public access network, due in part to the absence of a standardized method for relaying encryption keys between different manufacturers' equipment. Our system supports secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access. If your company has a VPN, we recommend that you connect via the VPN for optimum security. Cincinnati Bell also encourages its users to observe standard security practices; such as ensuring that computer hard drives are not shared. Cincinnati Bell supports ongoing security efforts for wireless public networks

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Can I use my email services with WiFi?

You will be able to send and receive web-based email as you normally would. Some examples of web-based email services are Fuse and ZoomTown WebMail, Hotmail, and Yahoo mail. However, if you use a client program such as Outlook, Outlook Express to POP your email, you may not be able to send or receive email. Email clients using your ISP's POP3 and SMTP services require authentication and unless you log into your company LAN via VPN, these services will not work. Please check with your ISP for specific requirements and for additional assistance.

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Can I try Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

Yes! Test driving Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service is simple. Take your laptop computer and NIC (Network Interface Card) to any of the Hot Spot locations. Go to the the WiFi Home page and click the Test Drive link. From there you can browse several web sites to see how the service works. Then, to use WiFi all over the city, click the Sign up link.

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Can I use my modem to connect to a Hot Spot?

No. Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service is, by design, a high-speed portable Internet service. You must have a wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) that picks up the WiFi signal in a Hot Spot location in order for the service to work. Modems connect via telephone lines. This service does not use a modem to connect.

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Can I use my company's VPN?

Yes. Once you log in to the WiFi Service at a Hot Spot location, you can follow your normal procedures to use your company's VPN.

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What ISP do I need to have to use the WiFi Service?

Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service subscribers do not need to use a specific ISP to purchase the service. AOL, Earthlink or any other ISP users can use the WiFi Service if they subscribe. ZoomTown with Fuse subscribers receive the WiFi Service free as part of their subscription.

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Do I have to be a ZoomTown subscriber to purchase Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

No. ZoomTown with Fuse subscribers receive the WiFi Service free as part of their subscription. However, any customer with a laptop and a Wireless NIC can visit a Hot Spot location and subscribe to the WiFi Service. Neither the ISP you have nor the high-speed Internet Access provider you may or may not have (i.e., ZoomTown) matter. WiFi Service subscribers all receive the benefits of a high-speed (broadband) Internet connection.

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What is a Hot Spot?

A Hot Spot is a term used to identify an area where customers or potential customers can go to test drive the service, purchase one of our service offers or to log in to use the WiFi service. For a list of current Hot Spots in and around Cincinnati, click the Hot Spot Locations tab at the top of this page or click here.

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Where are the Hot Spots in my area?

For a list of current Hot Spots in and around Cincinnati, click the Hot Spot Locations tab at the top of this page or click here.

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How do I sign up for Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

Ordering Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service is simple. You'll need a laptop computer with a wireless network interface card (NIC) that is 802.11b compliant. ZoomTown with Fuse subscribers receive the WiFi Service free as part of their subscription. If you are not a ZoomTown with Fuse subscriber or you have ZoomTown with another affiliated ISP, you can order the WiFi Service by visiting a Hot Spot location in your area. Once you are in a Hot Spot location, launch your browser and type https://my.cincinnatibell.com/ordernow/wifi/ to sign up.

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What do I need to use Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

In order to use Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service, you need a laptop computer with a wireless network interface card (NIC) that is 802.11b compliant. ZoomTown with Fuse subscribers receive the WiFi Service free as part of their subscription. If you are not a ZoomTown with Fuse subscriber or you have ZoomTown with another affiliated ISP, you will need to order the WiFi Service by visiting a Hot Spot location in your area. Once you are in a Hot Spot location, visit the WiFi Ordering page to sign up.

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Can I use my PDA with Cincinnati Bell's WiFi Service?

At this time, we do not support PDAs on our WiFi network. However, if your PDA has a WiFi-compliant wireless Ethernet NIC (Network Interface Card) and a web browser, you may be able to use your PDA with the WiFi Service. Please check with your PDA vendor for more information on how to configure your PDA with a WiFi service and for information about which PDA's are compatible.

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What kind of speed can I expect from the WiFi Service?

Depending on a number of factors, the speed between your computer and the web site you are surfing can be up to 5Mbps, the same speed as the ZoomTown service.

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When does my online time begin and end?

For both the 1 Hour and 24 Hours service offers, your online time begins immediately after completing the credit card sign up process. Both service offers are timed in consecutive minutes or hours. If you purchase 1 Hour, your time begins immediately, runs for 60 consecutive minutes and ends exactly 1 hour after your purchase. The same is true for the 24 Hour offer. Although you receive a User Name and Password at the time of purchase, you are automatically logged in to the service as soon as the purchase is complete, NOT when you log in. If you log out of the service during your time frame, the clock does not stop.

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How do I purchase additional time?

To purchase additional time, you need to return to the ordering page by clicking here or typing https://my.cincinnatibell.com/ordernow/wifi/ and purchase additional time using the credit card option.

Want unlimited use of the Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service for no additional charge? Sign up for ZoomTown with Fuse today and the WiFi Service is FREE as part of your subscription.

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I am not from Cincinnati, can I use the Cincinnati Bell WiFi Service?

Absolutely! One of the benefits of the WiFi Service is that you don't need to be a Cincinnati Bell customer. Anyone with a laptop, a NIC, access to a Hot Spot location and a credit card can use the service. The 24 Hour option is perfect for business travelers who need access to their companies Intranet or LAN to send and receive email. To purchase the Cincinnati Bell WiFi service, simply visit a Hot Spot location in your area, and visit the ordering page at http://wifi.cincinnatibell.com.

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Can I bill the WiFi Service to my Cincinnati Telephone bill?

At this time, you cannot bill the WiFi Service to your Cincinnati Bell Telephone bill. The only options available are to purchase the service using a credit card or to sign up for ZoomTown with Fuse and receive unlimited access. In the near future, we will enhance our billing system to enable you to bill the WiFi Service to your Telephone bill.

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What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

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I am having trouble surfing, what should I do?

There are two options to try if you are having trouble surfing.

Option One

Log off the WiFi Service and log back on using your User Name and Password you were given when you purchased the WiFi Service.

NOTE: If you are a ZoomTown with Fuse user, use your Fuse Primary account User Name and password to log on to the service. If you still cannot surf, go to Option Two.

Option Two

If you cannot surf, please follow the instructions below for your operating system:



Windows 95/98/ME

  1. Click the Start button and click Run.
  2. Type WINIPCFG in the Run field and click OK.
  3. Click Release All and click Renew All.
  4. Once you have renewed your IP, your IP should begin with 10.241.xxx.xxx. If your IP begins with 10.241, you are connected to the WiFi network and you should be able to surf. If your IP does not begin with 10.241, you are not connecting to the WiFi Network.
  5. Close the IP Configuration window. If you are still unable to surf, please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.


Windows NT/2000/XP
  1. Click the Start button and click Run.
  2. Type CMD in the Run field. The DOS Prompt appears.
  3. Type IPCONFIG/RELEASE at the DOS Prompt and click Enter.
  4. Type IPCONFIG/RENEW at the DOS Prompt and click Enter.
  5. Once you have renewed your IP, your IP should begin with 10.241.xxx.xxx. If your IP begins with 10.241, you are connected to the WiFi network and you should be able to surf. If your IP does not begin with 10.241, you are not connecting to the WiFi Network.
  6. Close the DOS window. If you are still unable to surf, please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.


MAC 8.6/9.0/X

Macintosh computers do not need to have the IP Address released or renewed. Please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.

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I purchased time but this Hot Spot doesn't work, what do I do?

In most cases, if you are able to use the credit card option to purchase the WiFi Service, the Hot Spot in question is working correctly. Please log off the service and log on again. If you are still unable to surf, contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357).

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Where do I go for help while I'm in the Hot Spot?

Each Hot Spot location has a WiFi Brochure available. If you can not find the answer to your questions in that brochure and you have not found the answer to your question on this web site, contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357).

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I lost/forgot my User Name or password, what do I do?

If you are ZoomTown with Fuse customer and you aren't sure how to access the WiFi Service, log on using your Primary Fuse User Name and password. This is the User Name and Password you use to dial into Fuse. If you have lost or forgotten your User Name or password, contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357).

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Do I need a new User Name/Password to use the WiFi Service?

No. ZoomTown with Fuse customers should log on to the WiFi Service using your Primary Fuse User Name and password. This is the User Name and Password you use to dial into Fuse. If you have lost or forgotten your User Name or password, contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP 4357).

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How am I billed?

For a limited-time, Cincinnati Bell is offering FREE WiFi Service to all ZoomTown with Fuse and all Fuse Dial-up Internet Access customers. For all non-Fuse customers, you have the option to purchase the WiFi Service using a credit card. The time you purchase will be billed on your credit card statement.

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My User Name/Password does not work. What should I do?

Here are several items you can check if your User Name and/or Password does not work:

  • User Names and Passwords are case sensitive. Make sure the CAPS Lock key isn't on on your keyboard. Re-enter your User Name and Password.
  • If you are a Fuse subscriber, make sure you are logging on to the WiFi Service using your Primary account. This is the User Name and Password used to log on to the Fuse service.
  • Ensure your computer has a connection with the Hot Spot. Usually there is an icon for your wireless connection in your taskbar in the lower right corner of your screen. To verify your connection, click the option below for your operating system:



    Windows 95/98/ME

    1. Click the Start button and click Run.
    2. Type WINIPCFG in the Run field and click OK.
    3. If you have a working connection to the Hot Spot, your IP should begin with 10.241.xxx.xxx. If your IP begins with 10.241, you are connected to the WiFi network and you should be able to surf. If your IP does not begin with 10.241, you are not connecting to the WiFi Network.
    4. If you are not connected to the WiFi Network, click Release All and click Renew All.
    5. Close the IP Configuration window. If you are still unable to surf, please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.


    Windows NT/2000/XP
    1. Click the Start button and click Run.
    2. Type CMD in the Run field. The DOS Prompt appears.
    3. If your IP begins with 10.241, you are connected to the WiFi network and you should be able to surf. If your IP does not begin with 10.241, you are not connecting to the WiFi Network.
    4. If you are not connecting to the WiFi network, type IPCONFIG/RELEASE at the DOS Prompt and click Enter.
    5. Type IPCONFIG/RENEW at the DOS Prompt and click Enter.
    6. Close the DOS window. If you are still unable to surf, please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.


    MAC 8.6/9.0/X

    Please contact the Help Desk at 513.397.HELP (4357) for more assistance.

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Can I reuse my User Name and Password when I purchase additional time?

No. If you purchase the 1 Hour or the 24 Hour offer using your credit card, you will receive a new User Name and Password with each purchase. If you are Fuse subscriber, you may use your Primary account User Name and Password each time you log on.

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Once I log onto the WiFi Service, what do I do next?

After you log on to the WiFi Service, just launch your browser and start surfing.

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Can I save my time for later use?

No, the 1 Hour and 24 Hour plans are consecutive time frames. The 1 Hour option runs for 60 consecutive minutes and the 24 Hour option runs for 24 consecutive hours. If you log off the service at any time, the clock does not stop and your time ends regardless whether you are logged on and using the service or not.

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Do I need to set the WiFi Service home page (wifi.cincinnatibell.com) as my home page?

No, this is not necessary. The WiFi Home page will only display when you are in a Hot Spot location.

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If I close the Session Status page, will I lose my connection?

No. When you close the session status page, the page will close but you will not be logged off the WiFi Service.

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How can I tell how many minutes I've used?

Go to the WiFi Service home page (wifi.cincinnatibell.com) and click the Refresh or Reload button. The page will display the length of your current session.

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How can I get additional help?

Need further assistance? Click here to email us with your questions. You may also call us at 513.397.HELP (4357). Our support hours are:

Residential Hours: 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to midnight.

Hosting/ISDN Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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