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[FYI] Cable firms target wireless users
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- Subject: [FYI] Cable firms target wireless users
- From: "Axel H Horns" <horns@ipjur.com>
- Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 19:03:19 +0200
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_2125000/2125922.stm
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Friday, 12 July, 2002, 21:43 GMT 22:43 UK
Cable firms target wireless users
[...]
Grassroots groups hail the proliferation of the devices because it
may herald a new era of cheap, easy access to the internet.
Puzzling crackdown
It is precisely that sort of enthusiasm that has cable television
firms in New York clamping down on subscribers who offer free access
to the firms' networks.
Time Warner Cable, a unit of media giant AOL Time Warner, has issued
warnings to about a dozen users it believes use their accounts to
provide internet access to others via wireless networks.
While it drums up images of similar crackdowns on those who connect
illegally to cable TV systems, finding offenders accessing the
internet wirelessly is a touch trickier.
Without wires to trace, it is tough to determine who is taking, who
is getting something for nothing.
For some subscribers, the crackdown is a bit puzzling.
After all, upon establishing such wireless networks within their own
homes or apartments, they cannot help it if those within about 300
feet can also access the network.
Princely sum
Security software that would require a password to wireless networks
is available, but many users are not aware of it or just do not
bother.
Cable firms and other internet service providers (ISPs) admit they
are trying to preserve their subscriber base and prevent paying
customers from cancelling their service to jump on a free, wireless
bandwagon.
AT&T Broadband, another supplier of high-speed internet access in New
York, has begun trawling web sites to find abusers and it plans to
issue warnings to those who misuse its network.
But AT&T, Time Warner and others may have a harder time finding such
offenders, given the growing trend in the US by municipalities,
businesses and other enterprises that are establishing wireless
networks.
They do it with the intention of providing high-speed access for
little or minimal cost.
Currently, traditional ISPs charge a hefty fee for high-speed digital-
subscriber (DSL) or cable line - about $50 a month in most US cities.
[...]
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