Re: [colorforth] /. and the new bios

[kbk@xxxxxxxxx (Kurt B. Kaiser)]

Luis <forth@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

> There are many like these across the globe:
>
> http://www.consume.net/
>
> Luis.
>
>
> On 20 Jun 2004, at 7:30, Samuel A. Falvo II wrote:
>> On Saturday 19 June 2004 08:52 pm, Kurt B. Kaiser wrote:
>>> At some point we will need a separate net if we want to communicate
>>> freely using our own tools.  Will it be allowed?
>>
>> It may not be allowed, but it cannot be stopped.  I will be honored to
>> assist in its creation and maintenance.

Well, I hope you're right.  But the WiFi nets Luis is referencing
connect to the Internet via ISP providers at some level.  If it
becomes illegal for ISPs of any stripe to pass uncertified packets,
then the only solution is an entirely separate wireless net, or go
back to dailup BB :-(

If the FCC and its peers then decides that the shared bandwidth now
used for Internet WiFi can only be used for the controlled Internet
(because of the rampant undernets which had sprung up to illegally
exchange copyrighted data, and fears of nefarious uses), then there is
a real problem.  The spectrum will continue to be used, but illegally,
and with today's surveillance capabilities you could expect continuous
enforcement and strife.  The RF spectrum has been locked up since the
20's and it's only recently that shared, unlicensed spectrum has been
permitted.  If usage becomes problematic in the eyes of government,
you can expect additional regulation.  Look at the situation with 
satellite tv reception, or micropower FM stations.

It could happen.  Judging from recent events related to SW patents in
Europe, even massive and apparently successful citizen resistance
against the bureau-industrial(C) establishment is futile, so far.

-- 
KBK

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