Re: [LINK] 'Parasitic grid' could undermine wireless revenues

From: Craig Sanders (cas@taz.net.au)
Date: Wed Aug 29 2001 - 10:27:44 EST


On Tue, Aug 28, 2001 at 09:00:57PM +1000, Peter Batchelor wrote:
> See http://www.air.net.au/
>
> Canberra Wireless Network

a carrier license is required for wireless networking, BUT there is an
exemption for small/hobbyist networks.

small ISPs run up against this all the time - if they want to use a
wireless link to get from one of their sites to another site a few
kilometers away (e.g. as a substitute for an expensive telco circuit)
AND that wireless link will be carrying any data for their customers
then they need a carrier license.

i don't have the regulations or even a URL to them in front of me but
IIRC, the exemption no longer applies as soon as:

   a) access is provided to the general public,
or b) transit to external networks (such as the internet) is provided,
or c) any money changes hands for the service

in short, you can play with it, but don't expect to do anything serious
or use it to free yourself and your neighbours (or your customers) from
the telco.

the wireless@lists.samba.org mailing list is worth subscribing to
if you're interested in this topic. as well as technical & howto
discussions, the "is it legal?" question comes up semi-regularly.

craig

-- 
craig sanders <cas@taz.net.au>

Fabricati Diem, PVNC. -- motto of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch



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