internet - Access with Chinese characteristics

After hanging around in China for some time, you do not take things for granted that easy. Last month I asked the Ramada headquarters whether their brand new hotel had facilities to give visitors wireless access. That had to tell me it was not possible, so I located already a nearby Starbucks.
Last week their website suddenly suggested that I could purchase wireless access, 100 Renminbi for 24 hours. Still hundred renminbi too much, but better than no access. Just now I went to test the system.
On de ground floor there was no signal at all. The casher was willing to sell me a 100-rmb cards, but had to agree that when there was no signal I could better keep the money in my pocket. They had access at the business center on the third floor.
A very friendly lady, although she just had to deal with two angry customers who tried the only computer at the floor but could not get access to yahoo or hotmail. I believe it must have been the internet filters again, since they had no problem in getting access to Chinese websites. The lady told me there was wireless access on her floor, but that I would have to remain connected all the time. When I would lose my connection, I would have to purchase a new card.
That sounded less attractive, but I decided to check there system out. I could get in without a problem, without a 100 Renminbi card. Hope the system is still in place tomorrow when I return for the conference.