Reply #337: Save on Internet access: rig up your own neighbourhood wifi network.

[mwooldri]

Other people have said leech off your neighbour's unsecured wifi network. Why? Do everyone a favour, and talk with them and strike up a deal. Even if they say no, your neighbourly concern that they're leaving their computer open to drive-by hackers would be enough for them to encrypt it and at least appreciate their next-door. However if you say Let's secure your wifi, and I pay you $10/month for access... that's $10/month going towards your neighbours i-net bill and $10/month not in the pocket of the cable or phone company.

If you're in a more dense area, you could get multiple neighbours in on the deal. But what if you're in a more rural area? The solution might be a cantenna. Yep, you can even MAKE them - recycle at the same time! Apparently people have got some connections going over several MILES using regular PC Wifi cards and homemade antennas - and they've even used old satellite dishes for a more reliable long term long distance link.

I suppose in theory you could get a number of neighbours together this way but you got to be careful. With one or two people, maybe three, it'd be OK to share a near top range line. If you are getting more than 10 customers consider getting business lines so that the cable/phone company can't shut you off for illegally reselling their services or going over some bandwidth caps (look out Comcast customers!) and check out local ordinances... there are reasons why cable companies pay $$$s to your city or county to have exclusive cable access rights.

Mark.