Some Q's regarding new ECA and Wi-Fi

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henkk78

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Hi,

Finally we have the new ECA replacing the archaic 1976 Telecommunications Act.

It's nice to know that it's not illegal anymore to make a LAN or Wi-Fi connection with your neighbour.

Some Questions I'd like to know more about:

1. So you don't need a license any more for making Wi-Fi connections.
a) What if I charge my neighbours for internet access?
b) Does it make a difference if we all live in a block of flats as opposed to a neighbourhood?

2. Can I share my internet using a service like Fon or Skyrove legally if:
a) I'm sharing for free
b) I'm getting revenue share

3. What if I'm setting up multiple hotspots at various locations using Fon or Skyrove? Do I need a VANS license now? Do Fon or Skyrove need a VANS license? As I see it, I'm providing the actual internet service, but I'm not the one signing up the end-users or receiving money from them directly.

Does anyone know the answers to these questions? Are there any clear cut answers now?
 
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henkk78 said:
Hi,

Finally we have the new ECA replacing the archaic 1976 Telecommunications Act.

It's nice to know that it's not illegal anymore to make a LAN or Wi-Fi connection with your neighbour.

Some Questions I'd like to know more about:

1. So you don't need a license any more for making Wi-Fi connections.
a) What if I charge my neighbours for internet access?
b) Does it make a difference if we all live in a block of flats as opposed to a neighbourhood?
Click to expand...

If you collect money for a service, its commercial. You might be able to make an agreement with the complex body corporate to "Cover Costs" .. but as a commercial venture. What is the motivation? .. to Make money?

henkk78 said:
2. Can I share my internet using a service like Fon or Skyrove legally if:
a) I'm sharing for free
b) I'm getting revenue share
Click to expand...

If you gain directly, its commercial. If you (b) getting a revenue share, how can it be (a) Free.... there is a monetory transaction there!


henkk78 said:
3. What if I'm setting up multiple hotspots at various locations using Fon or Skyrove? Do I need a VANS license now? Do Fon or Skyrove need a VANS license? As I see it, I'm providing the actual internet service, but I'm not the one signing up the end-users or receiving money from them directly.

Does anyone know the answers to these questions? Are there any clear cut answers now?
Click to expand...

The SA legal system is not that stupid... its the same as "Buy a R100 T-Shirt and get Free internet for a week"
If you gain from the venture, its commercial - no matter how you try and justify expoliting the "Community Connectivity act"
 
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q's

Thanks for the feedback RichardP.

My question is not so much whether something is commercial or not, I think that's rather obvious.

The question is who needs a license and when? I.e. do I need a license to share internet with a few neighbours, 'commercially'.

What sort of license?

Henk
 
also, what about a coffeeshop providing wireless internet access? Or an internet cafe?

Do they need licenses? Is this any different than someone providing internet access to a few neighbours?
 
henkk78 said:
also, what about a coffeeshop providing wireless internet access? Or an internet cafe?

Do they need licenses? Is this any different than someone providing internet access to a few neighbours?
Click to expand...

Coffee Shops dont offer internet outside their premisis, also its a Value-Add, not the core income.
 
RichardP said:
Coffee Shops dont offer internet outside their premisis, also its a Value-Add, not the core income.
Click to expand...

I would agree with RichardP.
Also can you picture ICASA trying to license all of those?
The CEO then wouldn't be able to get any sleep

I guess the sharing of an internet connection will be more "regulated" with the ISP rather then ICASA.
 
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