Am I stealing Internet?

Question

Ok, I had time warner cable wireless roadrunner and I was paying 65.00 plus cable so the bill got so high I couild not afford it. I was like damn so I went to direct tv and I was going to get huges net their satelite service, but that service price was off the charts. So, I did not have internet for 1 week so I thought; I cut my cpu on and got a wireless connection that says default. I been on the net for free. Is default someone's wifi or am I just lucky?

Answer 1

This is a huge grey area right now. Some people say that if you setup a wireless network and fail to secure it that you are offering a free wireless hotspot. But, the people who are forgetting to secure their networks are saying that it's no different then splicing into someone elses electricity or land line.

There's a link below to a news story about a man who was arrested for what you're doing.

There's also a story on Wired about it, although it's a few years old. That's below as well.

Personally I offer my wireless internet for free to anyone who needs to use it. That doesn't mean that I allow people to do whatever they want. I firewall out anonymous proxies, porn, and most areas that are questionable on the internet.

Good luck

Answer 2

By law, probably yes. I say probably, because I don't know the intentions of the person sharing the connection. Intent is a good portion of the law. That person may not care, or they might hate you for hogging their bandwidth.

I personally share my connection, but if someone gets on and starts using torrents via wireless I cut them off. I've toyed with the idea of only allowing outgoing connections to port 80 via wireless, that way people can get on and check their email and such.

Might be a good idea to find out where the connection is coming from. If you know someone that is handy with computers/routers, see if you can have them talk to your neighbor or whoever about securing the connection for them, and then maybe in turn for you doing it, they'll share the key with you.

Answer 3

You are likely piggybacking on someones unsecured wireless signal. I wouldn't say it is illegal, as it is their responsibility to secure their signal, and password it. It may be morally shady, as you are using something someone else is paying for, likely one of your immediate neighbors (as wireless does not have a long range)
In my block, there are 5 signals I can piggy back on, only one of them is protected....well, 6 now including mine (which is also protected) I honestly prefer to have my own due to the bandwidth I use.

Answer 4

you've might have picked up a neighbor's connection,if they have a network and still have the default info in place or your previous connection didn't key off properly and is still on..watch for the bill..

Answer 5

You're probably on someone's insecure wireless (unless you're in one of the cities that have implemented free wifi... which generally would be named such in order to connect to it)

Answer 6

Cable companies often leaves it connected. It costs them $$ to send someone out to disconnect it and they often forget. I think they also figure the guilt trip will eventually get you to come back.

Answer 7

Yup, like they said, you're stealing internet. My theory is, If they're not smart enough to secure their network, I'll use it if I want... that's not exactly ethical, but hmmm... Beware though, your comp has a 'name' (it might be your name) that will show up on their comp and whoever you're piggy-backing may eventually find you!

Answer 8

Just enjoy it while you can. I stole cable for about 2 years before getting caught!

Answer 9

You are on somebody elses wifi, and that is not legal. In most cases it is not legal even if you have their permission, it may violate their contract with their ISP.

Answer 10

Yes, you're stealing internet.