Wifi License question

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bravo16

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I have a question about Wifi, that I hope some of you can clarify for me. If you give people access to your wireless network for internet remote support etc but you do not charge for it (completely free service). Do you still need a VANS license?

I do realize the current legislation is hazy and in fact you can do as you please (Spoke to ICASA directly about that) till the convergence bill is released in 50 years. But I would still like to know with all these mesh networks going up do they need to license it? I mean if you do not make money out of the service surely you don’t ever need to license it.
 
If you want to broadcast anything at all in any way to any body where (any piece of property that you don't own)'s border is crossed, you need a licence.

There are not enough resources to police this though, so you can get away with it until somebody with high enough pull starts to complain.

e.g. Somebody complains to mywireless that your signal is affecting their ability to recieve mywireless. Then mywireless will probably ask you to stop. If you don't, then they may request that you be stopped by opening a case against you at the local police station. The local police station will then eventually come over and ask you to stop. If you don't, then the matter will be transferred to the magistrate, who may issue a summns for the siesure of your equipment to make you stop + the possibility of a fine [Amount undeterminable].

So - that's the risk from my limited research, and yup, I did go to my local SAPS and try to raise a case against MyWireless for interfering with my little network, and I nerlie died laughing.
 
stoke said:
So - that's the risk from my limited research, and yup, I did- mus go to my local SAPS and try to raise a case against MyWireless for interfering with my little network, and I nerlie died laughing.
Click to expand...
classic :) must have been quite an episode
 
Imagine trying to explain what WiFi is to a constable.
Man oh man, the guy ended up thinking that I wanted to stop a company from stealing my FM/AM radio. Gave up.
 
Suppose you could always say you were only transmiting to the bottom of your garden ! :D and somebody else just happened to connect to you ...
 
Ye tell them you have configured your singal to stop at the property border
 
This exact discussion is why WiFi enforcement is impossible.

If you have a wifi card, take a drive up to Northcliff hill one day, and do a bit of scanning. I can see access points from up in Northcliff that are somewhere down in the valley.
 
When it comes to Wifi - dont even bat an eyelid. There are huge property companies and the like with AP's here in Blouberg, like i said in another post over 40 access points - no one gives a toss, and rightly so. Our telecommunications legislation is almost 10 years outdated and was crafted to protect telkom from the start in inticipation of their exclusivity - thats why SBC swooped into SA and raped the country with some of the highest prices in the world.

If you have wireless equipment - use it. If you know someone who is sharing a connection - join in. If you share a connection - invite people. The more the better.
 
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