WIFI

A

armitage

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<font face="Arial"></font id="Arial"> is wifi legal now
are we allowed to transmit wifi signals outdoors now? can i for instance link up two pcs on opposite sides of a road legally?

if anyone has an answer please provide links.[;)]
thx

New service by Telkom broadband speeds up to 5kbps for only R1k a month. heheh
 
No, unfortunately you cannot, only a select few (Sentech and Telkom) have licenses to do WiFi, but as it stands all wireless devices/wireless hotspots are only legal to use/offer service if the service is on a single premesis (ie. not over roads), of course, these types of laws are totally ridiculous as any old joe can park off across the road and access your network without your consent (especially if you leave it open silly rabbit), as it's WiFi and the nature of it is to use the air, and the air isn't some pretty box that decides to stop transmitting your WiFi signal when it comes to your premesis border (perhaps in ICASA's world, but they seem to be stuck thinking in boxes these days). As such, that example would mean a) this guy is performing a criminal offense (well, one would hope anyway), and b) you're DEFINATELY performing a criminal offense (*gasp* your network is accessible to people across the road.. OH NO!).

*Cries* save us from stupid laws!
 
then what the heck was the recent ruling made by icasa regarding wifi?
dont tell me icasa actually ruled that it was legal to have a home wifi net?
no thats just wrong come on ppl. feel the brain tumor that icasa has.



New service by Telkom broadband speeds up to 5kbps for only R1k a month. heheh
 
To the best of my knowledge, thats exactly what the ruling was with regards to. Running a large-scale wireless network without using Telkom's infrastructure is still illegal, but it's OK to set up an on-premesis (think office block, warehouses, etc.) WiFi setup now that's legal.
 
despite it still being illegal to cross boundaries there a still quite a few people making wifi links between their homes or even to friend's houses over 2km away. It's virtually impossible to crack down on these private community networks.
 
Ok my 2c:

ICASA's recent ruling on hotspots made it legal for wireless networks on the same premise to be used by users of different computer systems (ie, customers using their laptops to connect to the cafe's AP).

However AFAIK if your telecommunications crosses property boundaries (and the two properties do not have the same owner), or crosses public roads, train lines, etc. then it must be provided by Telkom (or Sentech with regards to what they are licensed to do).

But one interesting thing is, AFAIK the big companies started rolling out hotspots even before they were made legal, in the knowledge that by rolling out the hotspots, it would put pressure to get them legalised.

God Bless,

Richard :)
 
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