[XCSSA] Re: [SATLUG] Free WiFi Router if you'll join the system (which is also free and gets you free wifi all over!)

[xcssa@xcssa.org]

On Wednesday 14 February 2007 20:18, Daniel J. Givens wrote:
> tweeks wrote:
> > Forgive the XCSSA/SATLUG cross post... but this really is a win-win folks
> > (or at least until RoadRunner stomps it out).
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> > 	http://www.fon.com/1yearold/
>
> They're info page is sort of broken at the moment. Can you give a little
> background as to what this is all about? I'm interested, but want to make
> sure if I get one of these that no one is going to get to MY stuff.

Okay...
Well.. this group is a kind of ISP-less ISP.  If you'll attach one of their 
free wifi routers to your broadband, which provides wifi access to people who 
want to buy service from them (which uses a backend authentication over the 
net back to their systems), then you join their system and become a FONEROS. 
"There are two types of Foneros: Linuses and Bills. Linuses [provide] Internet 
access through their hotspots for free. When they roam, they get free access 
in return from other Foneros. Bills [Foneros], named for Bill Gates, charge 
for access and must pay for access at other Foneros’ hotspots. Aliens are Fon 
hotspot users who are not Foneros. They always pay, even on a Linus' network. 
Aliens will provide the bulk of the revenue that fuels Fon."

So by hosting one of their access points off your broadband (as a Linus 
Foneros), you in turn get free wifi access from any of their other APs around 
the world. :)
	http://maps.fon.com/

Someone here with more FON experience want to touch on the topic of US 
broadband providers and how they take to sharing their BB client bandwidth 
with open wifi systems like these?  Anyone ever heard of any AUP enforcement 
or blacklisting or the like?  Just curious what other's experience have been 
with doing this kind of stuff but keeping out of hot water with your BB ISP.

Tweeks