Wi-Fi in Rome

Depends on where and how you want to connect. You might read this article, How to Find and Use Free WiFi Hotspots in Rome.

The question is do I need to buy a USB modem with an Italian number?

Thomas, If I understand your question correctly, the answer is "No", you don't need to buy a USB MoDem with an Italian phone number. You can use your Netbook to access the internet wherever there's a Wi-Fi hotspot available. Wi-Fi is provided by many Hotels these days, usually included in the cost of the room. Use the link that Ron provided for finding other Wi-Fi locations in Rome. The only time you'd need a USB MoDem is if you wanted to have internet access via the cellular data network rather than using Wi-Fi. That option could be expensive and difficult to arrange PAYG data access, so it's not something I'd recommend. Happy travels!

The question is do I need to buy a USB modem with an Italian number?
Again - Depends on where and how you want to connect. If you want to connect anywhere, using the cellular function ... then sure, get a USM modem and pay as you play. As Ken says, that can be an expensive option. If you want to register for places like McDonald's or the city provided Wi-Fi options, then you'll have to have an Italian SIM where you can receive text messages with login or password information. Or if you want to just go to the free spots... you will need NO registration, NO Italian SIM mobile number, and NO USB modem. So again, it depends on HOW and WHERE you want to connect - and how much you want to pay for convenience.

Ron wrote: "If you want to register for places like McDonald's or the city provided Wi-Fi options, then you'll have to have an Italian SIM where you can receive text messages with login or password information." This is a new wrinkle I've not encountered before. This requirement makes using wifi at a restaurant (or whatever you want to call a McDonalds) less attractive. Ron, I'm assuming from your comments that an Italian cell phone number is required; that they won't send a text to a U.S. number or number from another E.U. country. Correct?

Ron, My iphone will have an Italian sim card for I can get text mesages. So then I can use the netbook to log on to the local wi-fi? Thomas

Paul, at certain locations like McDonald's or the Rome city Wi-Fi options, yes - you will need an Italian number. I tried with my US and Danish numbers and no luck... Talking to Italian friends, they blamed this on the "anti-terrorism" laws. Not so sure about that although there are certainly different procedures for Italian SIM cards as compared to when I got mine 10+ years ago. Thomas, yes you can use your pre-existing Italian SIM mobile to receive the text message necessary to log in. Depending on which service you go with, you may be limited by time or data download.

I found a similar problem in McDonalds elsewhere in Europe last summer. I worked fine in Monaco, but in northwest Germany and Luxembourg it wanted a local phone to text to.

Hi!
I spent two weeks in Rome on last January.
I resolved any connectivity problem trying a new mobile WiFi service in Rome.
Witourist provides you a small portable router useful to get a mobile internet access on the entire italian territory on your personal devices via Wifi.
The service works well and it is quite cheap.
I have searched on their website for their reseller in downtown.