I have had similar probs connecting with free public wifi on my N800/ITOS08. I get a message I am connected to the network but can't bring up anything after that...including the standard User Agreement page many sites put up.

I was sure it was a Tx problem so I reset the Tx from 10mW to the 100mW max setting. But, no joy. I have not looked into it further as I carry a Cradlepoint Travel/Pocket router and have an EVDO mobile broadband connection. But it might be nice to figure it out so I can save battery power on the router now and then.

Not sure the exact reason but I have had the issue at several locations. So, I am guessing it is some sort of config issue on my end. Since the UA page will not come up (even though the auto redirect URL shows in the address box) it's not a simple matter of a ping to another site...until you agree to the UA there is no access granted. Might even be a browser issue for all I know yet.

Next time I am at Von's (yup ours has a free wifi...weird huh?) or Staples I'll try a few things. Our Von's has a Starbuck's in it so I can sit, have a coffee and see what I can manage.

BTW: scumgrief excellent full answer to a question!! I think we all forget sometimes most users are not experts in any OS and leave out what has become trivial to us. Plus ya never know when what is simple or trivial to you might help someone who has experience...so very nice answer on how the ping command works.