Topic 'Re: Open WiFi' in forum '' - dslreports.com

Re: Open WiFi

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:58:38 EDT

CXM_Splicer posted :

quote:
Why else do you offer Broadband to your customers? keeping them "happy"/satisfied, if makes your store better than the one down the street with none, and makes yours a more desirable place to shop/eat then it adds value to your BUSINESS, and that value IS compansation for your costs.

I suppose Comcast could try to use that argument in court if they terminated someone's service but that will necessitate them PROVING that you have more customers because of the available broadband. Customers would have to testify that they chose your business or otherwise stayed there using the broadband as a deciding factor. Simply proving them be 'Happy' would not be enough to show financial compensation. Personally, I think they would be laughed out of court. The same argument could be made for employees... do you use an internet connection at work to check personal email? If so then your employer too may be in violation of their TOS since they are creating a happier work environment. Also, does the TOS specify financial compensation? If you have more friends or your friends are happier because you let them use your Internet then that will make you happier... that can be defined as compensation. I think Comcast can terminate you for that.

Re: Open WiFi

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:21:43 EDT

tshirt posted :

said by CXM_Splicer:

...Being 'compensated' with happy customers... hahaha that is REALLY stretching it!!

Why else do you offer Broadband to your customers? keeping them "happy"/satisfied, if makes your store better than the one down the street with none, and makes yours a more desirable place to shop/eat then it adds value to your BUSINESS, and that value IS compansation for your costs.

allowing your friend/peronal guest casual access is different as it doesn't effect a business relationship, however if you CHARGE friend or provide regular access (say by Wi-fi to his apt.) then your relationship changes, which would violate the ToS for residential service.

Re: Open WiFi

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:13:24 EDT

NormanS posted :

said by ITALIAN926:

Even so, why would you take any chances? Secure your wifi

The only reason that I secure my wifi is that I don't want anybody using the bandwidth that I pay for. But I do allow friends and family to use it.
--
Norman
~Oh Lord, why have you come
~To Konnyu, with the Lion and the Drum

Re: Open WiFi

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:32:56 EDT

Lone Wolf posted :

said by ITALIAN926:

Even so, why would you take any chances? Secure your wifi

I've set legal precedent in a test case for some business licensing issues in Philadelphia and won. I've also been a lead plaintiff in 2 class action suits that made some lawyers rich. I don't back down easily. It comes with age and wisdom.

I hope that clears this up.
--
Vote the Ins Out.
One term for all politicians.
Give the government back to the people.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:20:48 EDT

DataRiker posted : "N" does not mean the signal goes further.

Traditional 2.4 Ghz (G) band travels further than the 5 Ghz channels commonly associated with "N" style routers.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:18:11 EDT

DataRiker posted :

said by ITALIAN926:

Even so, why would you take any chances? Secure your wifi

Why? Nobody cares except copyright trolls.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:32:04 EDT

ITALIAN926 posted : Obviously his wifi is not restricted to the boundaries of his 4 walls. I think N routers reach over 1000' feet ! He SHOULD lock up his wifi. Someone needs to invent a system for businesses that cash register receipts print out wifi access codes, kind of like how secureId works.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:27:00 EDT

ITALIAN926 posted : Even so, why would you take any chances? Secure your wifi

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:07:18 EDT

CXM_Splicer posted : Most business TOSs are different than their consumer counterparts. Since there is already a business relationship, it would usually not violate the TOS to let his customers use his Internet connection while on his premises. Being 'compensated' with happy customers... hahaha that is REALLY stretching it!! So if you have your friend over to your house and you let him do a Google search on your hard-wired computer, you are 'reselling' Internet? Posting false scare-tactic posts should also be punishable by conspiracy charges ;)

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:05:41 EDT

Lone Wolf posted :

said by tshirt:

Do you purchase access through ComCast as a commercial (for resale) account?

Odd that Comcast knows that I've been using an open router for 8 years and doesn't care, eh?

Comcast is so worried that I'll switch to FIOS when it comes to my area they don't care what I do, as long as I stay below the invisible caps.
--
Vote the Ins Out.
One term for all politicians.
Give the government back to the people.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:01:20 EDT

Lone Wolf posted :

said by hottboiinnc:

And by doing so you open yourself to a lawsuit.

I just read an article posted by Karl that said the court threw out cases about this.

Check out »Copyright Trolls Still Arguing Open Hotspots are Negligence

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:33:06 EDT

tshirt posted : Do you purchase access through ComCast as a commercial (for resale) account?
If so you would be protected, if not, and you knowing permit others to use the access for compensation (doesn't have to be cash, any value, including happy customers, is of value to you) ComCast may choose to cut you off, or sue (ToS issues) and if you KNOWINGLY* allow your connection to be used illegally you are certainly at risk.

* Knowingly would again come down to what would a reasonable and prudent person do/assume.
And if you offer the service and allow illegal use, the potential for "rendering criminal assistance" and "conspiracy" charges.

If you legal resell ComCast service then the onus is on you for ISP record keeping and timely passing on of warnings and 6 strike notices. At the very least you are looking at some legal and record keeping expenses.

Re: Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:38:19 EDT

hottboiinnc posted : And by doing so you open yourself to a lawsuit. Regardless if you agree with it or not, you are not exempt from these lawsuits. you just admitted you opened your self up to them. What would you do if you had X person off the street come in and download child porn or commit another crime on your HSI account. Do you think the cops are going to forgive you for giving your customers access to the 'net? HELL NO! they're going to come after you! You should secure it and use a guest account for your customers.

Open WiFi

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:06:11 EDT

Lone Wolf posted : I allow an open WiFi connection at my business. The internet is used for viewing my security cameras and playing (legal) music.

Comcast is my internet provider and I provide access to Comcast for free to my customers. These copyright trolls should try to find another way of protecting their intellectual property.