there's a Mcdonald's about a block away and they have WiFi - my brother has this thing that will pick up the WiFi signal -- - I was just wondering if it's legal for me to use it from my house .. thanks
2007-11-10 06:11:08 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet ➔ Other - Internet
Yes, it will be. McDonald's charges about $7 for a 1/2 day of use for their Wi-Fi services. If you log into their Wi-Fi, your browser will open a window presenting you a screen where you will need to enter your charge card number before it will allow you to connect.
2007-11-10 06:15:56 · answer #1 · answered by Gary D 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In a word..NO.
It's considered thief, at the worse, you could be committing a class B felony, subject to fines and/or community service.
I know we all like something for nothing, but in this, it's like you parking outside my home trying to hook into my system..Not a nice thing to do..
This is an actual incident. I will sum it up for you..
A individual in Mich, was parking daily outside a local business with his laptop using their WIFI to check on job application, etc.
One day a police officer just happened to see him sitting in his car and, asked him what he was doing. The individual was quite open and honest abt his activities. The police officer went back to his patrol car, reported what was going on..Ends up, he arrested the individual who was charged with a Class B felony for thief of (unauthorized) services from the business place. At his trial, yes there was a trial, he was fined 1,000$ and, now has a conviction on his record to boot.
He might have gotten around it by simply going in each day and, buying a cup of coffee, and asking if he could use the service of the WIFI signal..
So, I would say to you..again, No~not till you go over and ask someone (manager) for permission first.
2007-11-10 06:28:19 · answer #2 · answered by vovo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are offering the service for free to the public then I don't see a problem with it, as long as the device you are using is legal. If it's their private network then it's very likely that it's not legal. This really depends a lot on your local laws too.
2007-11-10 06:20:10 · answer #3 · answered by Mars Hill 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically speaking, it's a federal felony to use a company's network without their permission, period. The odds of you getting caught are nearly zero, through.
However, the more practical issue you may run into is that if your McDs are like ours in Michigan, the WiFi isn't a free service; you have to pay for online time. If you want to pay for it, you're asking for and getting their permission, so you're good to go...but it isn't cheap.
2007-11-10 06:18:08 · answer #4 · answered by edthespartan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and that's great for you. I think it is perfectly legal myself. The thing is, if the network doesn't have a password attached to it, you are free to use it. HOWEVER, if the network is secure and you get in (hacker*ahem*), then they can kick you off. So, if the Mickey D's has a password, you can't go onto it legally for free. If it doesn't have a password, then you're in luck.
2007-11-10 06:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Sean Q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mot likely... yes. Think about it... you're using someone else's internet connection that they have to pay for, and they don't know about it.
2007-11-10 06:17:28 · answer #6 · answered by Bumfuzz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u pay for it, if not, along they don't catch you, you OK. when i used a Macdonald's connection because they were tied to ATT connection, i used my grandmother's account, and it's free internet! so if u can log on, enjoy.
2007-11-10 06:16:00 · answer #7 · answered by Harlan P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course what is wifi for if u cant use it
2007-11-10 06:18:45 · answer #8 · answered by Fanie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if it is a public hot spot and free (no password, just "open").
2007-11-10 06:44:32 · answer #9 · answered by PETER 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so
2007-11-10 06:15:19 · answer #10 · answered by mathmaster100 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋