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Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

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Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#41

Post by jjawssd »

rgawdzik wrote: post #32
jjawssd wrote: post #29

This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots. This is mapping open Wifi hotspots. They are not the same. For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinity wifi in the USA is not free. For this to have any sort of credibility, there needs to be a discriminant filter mapping truly free vs open hotspots. For me this current map is too noisy to be of value. Try using it for free internet, and you too may run into di…

You are right. I already removed the xfinity hotspots. We'll be adding a feedback form into our web + mobile app so non-free or low quality APs can be removed.

Don't remove them, just tag them and adjust tags based on votes. Also, always consider the threat of abuse.

Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#42

Post by hkmurakami »

jjawssd wrote: post #29

This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots. This is mapping open Wifi hotspots. They are not the same. For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinity wifi in the USA is not free. For this to have any sort of credibility, there needs to be a discriminant filter mapping truly free vs open hotspots. For me this current map is too noisy to be of value. Try using it for free internet, and you too may run into di…

Id also want to know which hotspots I can actually use safely.

Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#43

Post by thesimon »

benbristow wrote: post #39
rgawdzik wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You are right. I already removed the xfinity hotspots. We'll be adding a feedback form into our web + mobile app so non-free or low quality APs can be removed.

Also 'BTOpenzone/BT WiFi/BT FON' networks in the UK. Absolute rips as well for price.

Doesn't Starbucks use BTOpenzone?

Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#44

Post by thesimon »

pyvpx wrote: post #31
dnlrn wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What also hinders open Wi-Fi adoption in Germany is a law called "Störerhaftung", which basically states that the owner of the Wi-Fi is liable for all damages that users of his Wi-Fi do, for example filesharing, hacking, whatever. Keeping track of all users is not an option that all free Wi-Fi operators have. I'm sure other countries have similar laws. Do The Netherlands not have such a law?

I just came across Airfy which apparently gets around this by tunnelling (I assume) all traffic and taking all legal liability and risk. I've also read that this Stoererhaftung law is set to change this year, specifically to allow things like free WiFi in businesses.

IIRC there is an exception in the law for ISPs and Airfy registered as an ISP.

Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#47

Post by nissehulth »

hkmurakami wrote: post #42
jjawssd wrote: post #29

This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots. This is mapping open Wifi hotspots. They are not the same. For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinity wifi in the USA is not free. For this to have any sort of credibility, there needs to be a discriminant filter mapping truly free vs open hotspots. For me this current map is too noisy to be of value. Try using it for free internet, and you too may run into di…

Id also want to know which hotspots I can actually use safely.

None, unless you use a VPN with an endpoint you trust.

Re: Show HN: 500,000 free WiFi hotspots plotted around the world

#50

Post by jjawssd »

jjawssd wrote: post #29

This is not mapping free WiFi hotspots. This is mapping open Wifi hotspots. They are not the same. For example, KPN in the Netherlands is not free, and xfinity wifi in the USA is not free. For this to have any sort of credibility, there needs to be a discriminant filter mapping truly free vs open hotspots. For me this current map is too noisy to be of value. Try using it for free internet, and you too may run into di…

Also consider setting a time-to-live for each hotspot.

They come and go.

Also mark 'expired' and 'verified' hotspots as such. Most will be unverified, of course.

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