Re: [IRCA] Wi-Fi legality (OT)

[Scott Fybush <scott@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Tim Kridel wrote:
> Yes, people have been taken to court over this, but it's very rare.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Yes, it's technically illegal to "borrow" someone else's home WiFi 
connection, even if they're essentially leaving the door wide open by 
not putting any kind of security on it. (My WiFi at home doesn't 
broadcast a network name and is protected by the strongest version of 
WPA encryption my router will support; even that is no barrier at all to 
a determined hacker, but it at least dissuades anyone sniffing around 
for open WiFi.)

In practice, of course, open WiFi connections seem to be a dime a dozen. 
I rarely fail to find one when I'm traveling, and sure, I've used them 
from time to time. Who hasn't?

Perhaps it all hinges on what kind of terms Patrick is on with his 
neighbors. I'm wondering if he could find someone in the neighborhood 
who already has cable, and who'd be willing to have a cable modem 
installed at THEIR house, but with Patrick paying the bills. Patrick 
could then install his own WiFi router at the neighbor's house, which 
he'd then access from home.

No RFI issues at Patrick's house, no question that the WiFi would remain 
available, and since I'm sure Patrick would be happy to "share" that 
cable modem connection with the neighbor hosting it - and the neighbor 
would presumably be happy to have free high-speed internet service, on 
Patrick's dime - everybody wins, right?

(OK, maybe not the cable company...but if they're too cheap to shield 
their system properly, which is required by FCC rules, then the heck 
with 'em...)

s
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx