My wireless connection does not appear to work away from home

There are 2 types of wireless connections. If you have a wireless network configured in your house, once you are outside of its range (about 50m) it will not work. This network allows you to connect to your modem, which then connects to the internet via phone line.

You can have a wireless network connection which connects you directly to the internet. To access one of these you will need to find a wireless hot spot or have a specific wireless internet account.