[MLB-WIRELESS] Government Internet Filter - What do you think?

[mw at freenet.net.au]

> Maybe they could start by fixing the laws preventing interested
> non-government parties from doing this themselves.  That wouldn't cost
> much.

I don't know of any laws that prevent anyone from doing this - only money.

> (IIRC that's currently the obstacle preventing this very group from
> providing free net access.  I could be way off - I admit I'm quite
> ignorant of WiFi issues and invite anyone on this list to take me to
> school.  I initially joined up because I wanted to get a point-to-point
> WiFi link going in Mentone but at the time there was no-one else active
> in the area)

As far as I am aware, there's no real law that prevents anyone (even this
group) from providing internet access - free or otherwise.  It is only cost.

As an incorporated body, MW can become a licensed carrier, and then be able
to legally supply internet access to anyone at all.  In fact, the way I see
it, we would also be legally allowed to move all other kinds of data over
the network too, like VoIP traffic, ftp, mail and whatever else it is
already being used for.

The real question is why bother?  I think it is plainly clear that lack of
carrier license will prevent internet traffic traversing this (or any other)
network, so that's no reason to afford the expense and effort of licensing.

Not only that, but if MW becomes a carrier, then it would become liable for
the operation of all associated nodes.  If some bunny decides to set up a
transmitted that takes out a nearby Vodafone mobile phone cell, then MW will
cop the fine.  How can any amateur radio group possibly keep all their
members in line?

Cheers!

Mike.