FYI: I did set the Preferred Access Point, exact SSID, and exact Password for a local restaurant which uses standard Comcast Cable high speed internet access but was unable to make calls. In essence, I duplicated the restaurant's WiFi environment at home, used my home computer to make the above-referenced settings, and it worked perfectly in that simulated setting at home. But as soon as I transported the OBi202 to the restaurant with the same SSID/Password it completely failed to work. I did not try any "hard coding" or make any other changes. Can anyone explain to me what I am missing here? I don't understand why it doesn't work?
I can't speak for hotels in general, but AT&T has a special division that provides technical support for people using their WiFi Networks at Starbuck's and McDonald's throughout the United States. They did indicate that, although the SSID/Password was standardized everywhere, I would be still be unable to use the OBi in those environments because of a security "welcome screen" that requires input from a computer. However, they also indicated that they would be happy to waive that security screen for me from their end if I called them upon arriving at the venue in question. They told me that following this procedure would enable me to use the VOIP capabilities of the OBi202. According to them, they do not have any other "blocks" that would affect my ability to use VOIP over their public WiFi Networks.
I believe that being able to use the OBi [which serves as my landline] at any Starbuck's, McDonald's, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and the multitude of hotels offering free WiFi would greatly enhance the value of the OBi202. I tried getting an answer to my question from the OBi technicians, but never received a direct response to my question. I am pretty sure that a portable WiFi Hotspot would work. But, of course, the point is not to have to incur major monthly charges for WiFi access when there are so many open WiFi access points available to the public.
There are many highly knowledgeable and experienced OBi owners on this Forum and I am still hopeful that someone out there will be able to provide an answer to my question. Perhaps, even one of the senior OBi technicians will find the time to address this issue.