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Well, there's nothing extra hardware required, it has the ability to host guest networks and a bit of QoS would mean the "guest" network could have a chunk of bandwidth all to itself while the residential one still gets their full speed, whatever it may be. I believe BT's hub works the same way, except with DSL it will use up some of the potential bandwidth.

Although perhaps I am just being incredible naive about it. I'm not sure there'd be a benefit to customers other than (presumably) getting access to the Wifi networks wherever they are.

which is a major perk in todays world

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 35550206)

No it won't, IMO. There's nothing in it for any of us to open our circuits up as hortspots.

Or have I missed something?

I believe this is a kind of WIFI utopia, the theory is that everyone with a mobile device will be able to get a signal anyware.

It is a nice idea but the security of the host network needs some thinking about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJPS (Post 35550267)

This isn't really anything new at all. As mentioned, BT already do it and there's any number of free wi-fi hotspots around the place in various pubs, cafés and so on.

I know with my own router, I can create a free guest wireless that's completely separated from my own private network. If it wasn't for STM, I'd consider leaving an open one for all to use.

Yes I know, the dreamers have been talking about it since wifi began.

IMO the main problem is the "I've paid for this, why should other people have it for free?" attitude.

they wouldn't have it for free. its been suggested for VM customers like BT has theres for BT customers

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJPS (Post 35550291)

Yes I know, the dreamers have been talking about it since wifi began.

IMO the main problem is the "I've paid for this, why should other people have it for free?" attitude.

Main problem is the legal position surely?

Normal guest networks generate traffic on your own connection, so an activity is your responsibility.

So for a 'free hotspot' to work properly it has to be obviously separate from your own usage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJPS (Post 35550291)

Yes I know, the dreamers have been talking about it since wifi began.

IMO the main problem is the "I've paid for this, why should other people have it for free?" attitude.

Just as an anecdote, I was recently in Toronto and my phone didn't work (at all - forgot to tell 3 I needed to roam), but most places around me had free Wi-fi so I was never really out of touch at all. It was definitely a plus point on the whole trip and I do believe a few cities around the world are trying to roll out free Wi-fi for everyone as well. So it's not such a ridiculous idea. I do agree though that there is an element of "why should I pay for this and give it for free?".

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35550298)

The legal position is a funny one, I don't think there's an answer to it yet. It boils down to "does an IP address identify a person?" and the jury is out on that one. I have heard the argument that if you want to do something dodgy on your connection, to leave a wireless network open so you've got deniability of it all but I've got no idea how that would hold up in court.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenry (Post 35550295)

they wouldn't have it for free. its been suggested for VM customers like BT has theres for BT customers

I can get on BT networks and I am not a BT customer. How? Because they allow you to text a code and pay to get on the network. So BT make profit from customers not realising that their router contributes to the Openzone stuff.

still paying though. its not being accessed for free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenry (Post 35550437)

still paying though. its not being accessed for free.

They are paying BT, not you (the router owner/bill payer), which is my point. BT are profiting from your connection which you pay for.

they should offer a discount or perk of some sort

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenry (Post 35550499)

they should offer a discount or perk of some sort

Don't you get access to the network of hotspots?

true but people are still moaning

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35550298)

And that's exactly how BT do it.

The 'free hotspot' that BT runs on their Home Hubs are firstly separated from your home network and secondly tunnelled via a separate, encrypted tunnel with its own isolated bandwidth to a BT commercial gateway, so it doesn't even appear to be coming from your ISP let alone your IP.

---------- Post added at 22:26 ---------- Previous post was at 22:21 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kushan (Post 35550307)

If you want to do it yourself - that may apply.

As the proposal is this is being done by the internet provider, communication providers have exemptions under law provided they follow given procedures.

Since it's the ISP and not you that's doing it, the ISP has liability and as mentioned that liability is limited anyway.

In other words, legally, it's got nothing to do with you so nothing for you to worry about.