[FYI] Cable firms target wireless users

["Axel H Horns" <horns@ipjur.com>]

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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