I think you are confused thinking that you are restricted to using Verizon's Boingo service. The iPad will connect to Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. wifi hotspots created with mifis or phones. You are confusing Boingo, a proprietary wifi access point with standard wifi hotspots. Your iPad will connect to any wifi hotspot that is not proprietary such as Boingo's. Go to Starbucks, a hotel, restaurant, your own mifi, anyone elses mifi, a library, etc. Your iPad will connect to those wifi hotspots, unless they have proprietary login requirements (such as a paid account, flash screens, etc.)