Legal to share a residential fibre account?

Muttley

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Jan 6, 2016
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"Me", and "Neighbour" are two different legal entities. Whether you're attached to each other (duplex), whether there's a boundary wall, or whether a public/private road, park, grass, aliens in between, makes no difference.

1) It's against the T&Cs of the ISP more than likely;
2) It's against the T&Cs of the fiber provider that said ISP signed contracts with;
3) Unless you have a ECS *and* ECNS license, you are acting illegally.
4) Claiming you're providing it "free" and stuff like that, isn't going to fly. You're providing a *network service*, and a *communications service*, and you need the appropriate licensing. It's not rocket science to put two and two together that 1) you have a internet connection, 2) your neighbor is using your internet connection, and 3) you are receiving incentives for providing such communications and network service to your neighbor for remuneration (whether monitory, or otherwise).

And yes, there are ways for ISPs and fiber providers to pick up on these things. And yes, ICASA isn't as stupid as people make them out to be either...

Despite popular believe... I do not believe (and help me out if I am wrong by providing a copy of said licenses) that there is ONE wug in SA, that actually RECEIVED license exception. Yes, they still need to have a valid license ISSUED to them by ICASA, whether it's supposed to be license except, or not. You are not "deemed" to be automatically license except, you need to apply for it.

The fact of the matter is if you provide network or communication services to different legal entities, you need to be licensed. Done, finished, klaar.

Got it.... and thanks for the reply

But then (excuse my ignorance) how does this differ to someone coming over to your home and you providing them with your WiFi password / giving them access to your guest network.

Essentially you're providing them with network or communication services....
 

savage

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Aug 11, 2003
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Got it.... and thanks for the reply

But then (excuse my ignorance) how does this differ to someone coming over to your home and you providing them with your WiFi password / giving them access to your guest network.

Essentially you're providing them with network or communication services....

Single legal entity. He's on your property. Same principal applies to internet cafes, or offices (not necessarily office blocks) for example. You are not crossing legal boundaries, and therefore, no license required.
 

Camoh2006

Active Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2015
Messages
50
I really don’t think it matters to be honest as I share my internet connection with neighbors all the time without even thinking it is illegal - not going to stop now so on well
 

savage

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Aug 11, 2003
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The OP asked whether it's legal or not... Just saying, it's not legal.

I can't force you to adhere to the speed limit on public roads either, but that doesn't mean that speeding is legal.
 

Quattro!

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2011
Messages
250
What is interesting to me is that a lawyer is mentioned, might not be an expert in telecommunications legislations but would have an educated view about what you proposing even though he/she stand to benefit.
 
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