Quote:
Originally Posted by MJPS
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
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.
|
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.