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Free Wi-Fi Threatened?

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the in-texas-and-pa dept.

jasonmicron writes "The Houston Chronicle is reporting that if certain state officials have their way, cities in the state of Texas will no longer be able to offer free WiFi to their citizens. This could set a dangerous precedent if passed, as broadband providers could start lobbying officials in the other 49 states to ban free WiFi as well. According to the article, Pennsylvania has already fallen victim to such a law but it excluded Philedelphia due to the city's 'existing efforts.'"

9 of 586 comments (clear)

  1. I can see 20 access points... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... from my apartment balcony. About 1/3 of those are open (no WEP or WAP).

    Tell me again why the government needs to be able to get into the free-WiFi business.

    1. Re:I can see 20 access points... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      How do you know it's ignorance? I leave my Airport network open just to be a nice guy.

  2. What a coincidence... by subterranean · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Technology for All provides free computers to high school students who take a computer course, but is looking for a sponsor to help provide $125 modems that plug into computers and capture the wireless signal."

    I too am searching for a sponsor to give me $125 for $50 wireless network cards.

  3. Un-American by emjoi_gently · · Score: 3, Funny

    Free stuff, such as Open Source software, stifles commerce. It's Un-American.
    Governments giving free stuff to people is doubley Un-American.

  4. Round up a posse... by SEWilco · · Score: 3, Funny

    Sarge says we're war-driving today. Get some extra ammo and aluminum foil.

  5. As a paid Troll AstroTurfer for Telcos by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I must insist you remove the tin-foil hat.
    We seem to be having some difficulty reaching your brain waves.

  6. Good for Securing America also by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    With Government providing internet access, it might be easier to track down or monitor terrorists and other illegal activity. I think this this would definetly improve our secirity and help prevent another attack by terrorists. It would help lawenforcement too track down people doing bad things on the internet. Something that is _hard_ to do already.

  7. At last! What a great senator! by johansalk · · Score: 2, Funny


    "King's basic objection, Trainor said, stands -- in a free-market system it's not acceptable to let public government compete with private businesses"

    We're glad someone out there finally understands the role of public government in a free-market system!

    Dear Mr. Senator,

    One word: The Police.

    Sincerely,
    Billy Joe Ray Junior & Jim Bob Jones
    The American Association of Bounty Hunters

  8. Coming Soon by Sierpinski · · Score: 2, Funny

    Coming soon to Texas: The Air Tax.

    If you breathe air from within the borders of Texas, or within a "breathing distance" of 0.23 miles, you are subject to the Air Tax, which helps compensate the government for your consumption of oxygen and also provides monies to properly dispose of that nasty carbon dioxide that is exhaled.

    --
    And they said zombies weren't real!