Many thanks for your helpful post, Stephen.

Richard:
>> What's the best way to ensure not-too-expensive wireless access in
>> Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany during a three-week visit?
>>
>> Do some hotels offer free internet in one's room -- or just the
>> expensive ones?

Stephen:
>the charge seems to vary depending on who the hot spot operator is.
>
>most painful i have come across are run by a Swiss telco - but at least
>their helpdesk is actually manned in the middle of the night.

R:
>> Is there a single reasonably priced subscription service that one can
>> use in all three countries in many cafes?

S:
>what we have at work is a roaming scheme run by iPass
>http://www.ipass.com/
>
>their systems is in a lot of hotspots and hotels - i have used it in Hilton
>for example.
>
>no idea what the charges are like for an individual though - but iPass do
>have a reseller scheme that may give you some ideas.