I spent 3 weeks there and there was multiple areas with free wifi in the Poblado and the malls, I don't think it's any less prevalent than in the US or Canada. I was definitely carrying my laptop around for that. But I would say the issue with carrying your laptop is more around security. The city is much better than before, like those stories tell you, but I still don't feel secure like I would in North America so for me I felt a bit worried carrying my laptop around.