# Fuck you AT&T, Fuck you landlord **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 3, 2012, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351 "2012-08-03T22:16:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/41 "2012-08-05T15:54:28Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > [6 Laws You've Broken Without Even Realizing It | Cracked.com](http://www.cracked.com/article_19450_6-laws-youve-broken-without-even-realizing-it.html) Huh. I was sharing a pizza with my son at a local beer/pizza place. I had my iPad with me and I saw that I was connected to what I assumed was the shop’s “free wi-fi”. When I paid our check I thanked the dude for providing wi-fi, and he told me they did not have it. Turns out a home across the street was the source, and all the employees as well as many customers use it all the time. If I’m in a business and use the Internet, I assume it is a goodwill gesture of the business. Or airport. Or city. ---
**Author:** ![Blackberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/42 "2012-08-05T17:50:42Z")
Wow you people are hateful about people using someone else’s wifi. I have my own, but if I was in a situation without it I’d use another network temporarily if I could. Not to like stream a whole bunch of high def movies or anything, but I’ll check my email on your stupid wifi if I want to! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2012, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/43 "2012-08-05T23:37:17Z")
Wouldn’t it fuck up their bandwidth, and slow them down? ---
**Author:** ![Lobot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ce7236/32.png) [@Lobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobot)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/44 "2012-08-06T00:07:48Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Wouldn’t it fuck up their bandwidth, and slow them down? Yes, I made the same point earlier. So, to summarise: [ul] [li]It leeches bandwidth and slows down their connection[/li][li]It draws data that will impact upon any quotas[/li][li]It’s illegal[/li][li]It involves the unauthorised use of other people’s property and paid services[/li][/ul] I don’t see how this could possibly be justified, unless you’re into the whole “It’s OK if I can get away with it” mindset. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/45 "2012-08-06T00:08:11Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Wouldn’t it fuck up their bandwidth, and slow them down? It would depend on what was moving through the pipe. A crappy connection with parties trying to watch movies? Huge slow down. A fast connection being used for text emails? Wouldn’t even notice it. My corporate neighbours and my home neighbours have passwords so that they can use my WiFi in a pinch. It’s never slowed things down enough to notice. ---
**Author:** ![Blackberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/46 "2012-08-06T00:17:11Z")
It would use the bandwidth to some extent, but not much if you’re not doing much with it. I use my wifi for Internet, Roku, and MagicJack, and I’ve never exceeded bandwidth on my budget plan. And slow them down? Possibly, but I doubt they’re trying to do anything too high tech if they don’t even know to secure their connection. Their emails of pics of their grandkids are probably coming through fine. ---
**Author:** ![al27052](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/47 "2012-08-06T04:35:01Z")
> [@Lobot](#): > > Yes, I made the same point earlier. > > So, to summarise: > > [ul] > [li]It leeches bandwidth and slows down their connection[/li][li]It draws data that will impact upon any quotas[/li][li]It’s illegal[/li][li]It involves the unauthorised use of other people’s property and paid services[/li][/ul] > > I don’t see how this could possibly be justified, unless you’re into the whole “It’s OK if I can get away with it” mindset. If you’re downloading a bunch of movies, sure, it would slow them down. Most DSL and cable connections either don’t HAVE bandwidth cap, or don’t really enforce it, so bandwidth caps areusually not an issue. It’s illegal just like jaywalking is illegal. Again, if my neighbor is broadcasting wifi signal into my home without my permission, he is invading my space, and is therefore inviting me to use his Wifi, if he leaves it unsecured with a password. And that’s that. You’re convincing exactly zero people, dude. Why even keep arguing? ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/48 "2012-08-06T04:50:40Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Your landlord can’t make a simple phone call ( I am assuming you’ll dig up the number and stuff and blah blah blah to make it easy)? Gawd help you when he/she needs to do something that actually requires getting off their ass. AT&T a simple phone call? Ha! Thanks for the laugh! No, seriously, they’re a nightmare to deal with. ---
**Author:** ![Lobot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ce7236/32.png) [@Lobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobot)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/49 "2012-08-06T05:03:37Z")
> [@al27052](#): > > And that’s that. You’re convincing exactly zero people, dude. Why even keep arguing? Mate, you’re the only one who thinks everyone’s on your side. It seems to me there is at least disagreement. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/50 "2012-08-06T09:46:06Z")
> [@Lobot](#): > > So, to summarise: > > [ul] > [li]It leeches bandwidth and slows down their connection[/li][li]It draws data that will impact upon any quotas[/li][li]It’s illegal[/li][li]It involves the unauthorised use of other people’s property and paid services[/li][/ul] > > I don’t see how this could possibly be justified, 1 2 and 3 only matter if 4 is true. Unauthorized… interesting word. The wi-fi leech certainly did not get a personal invitation to use the wi-fi connection. What he did was tell his device to request a connection with the owner’s wi-fi equipment. A request that was approved by the equipment. Does that count? Let’s say that does NOT count. Having your device request permission to access something, and having that permission granted by the target device, does not give you authorization. Authorization has to be made in person, not by a device. I have just committed a serious crime by conducting an unauthorized search of [CIA code breaking servers](https://www.cia.gov/kids-page/games/break-the-code/index.html). (warning not the slightest bit illegal) It is obvious. If you set up your networked computer device to allow open, blatantly unsecured access to something, it should not be a crime to access it. To assert otherwise is to assert that we are all committing crimes just by surfing the web. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/51 "2012-08-06T11:39:20Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > 1 2 and 3 only matter if 4 is true. > > It is obvious. If you set up your networked computer device to allow open, blatantly unsecured access to something, it **should not** be a crime to access it. To assert otherwise is to assert that we are all committing crimes just by surfing the web. Should not? I don’t find that a compelling argument I am afraid. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/52 "2012-08-06T12:08:53Z")
> [@al27052](#): > > If you’re downloading a bunch of movies, sure, it would slow them down. > > Most DSL and cable connections either don’t HAVE bandwidth cap, or don’t really enforce it, so bandwidth caps areusually not an issue. [Comcast, one of the nation’s largest providers has a 250GB bandwidth cap.](http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/common-questions-excessive-use/) (I exceeded it once and was given notice that if I did it again, my service would be immediately terminated). [AT&T has 150 GB bandwidth cap.](http://gigaom.com/video/att-bandwidth-cap-netflix/) [Cox has a “soft” bandwidth cap.](http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Cox-Starts-Threatening-Disconnection-if-You-Use-Their-Product-116858) > [@al27052](#): > > Again, if my neighbor is broadcasting wifi signal into my home without my permission, he is invading my space, and is therefore inviting me to use his Wifi, if he leaves it unsecured with a password. Your neighbor doesn’t need your permission to produce the WiFi signal per the FCC. [In fact, they might even up the range to MILES.](http://www.technologyreview.com/view/420911/long-range-wi-fi-edges-nearer-with-fcc-decision/) That still doesn’t change whether it’s illegal or not to hop on their WiFi. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/53 "2012-08-06T12:16:21Z")
So then, when my iPad automatically connects, it is my duty to investigate the source of the signal and determine whether or not the signal is a free offering? ---
**Author:** ![al27052](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/54 "2012-08-06T13:55:22Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > AT&T a simple phone call? Ha! Thanks for the laugh! > > No, seriously, they’re a nightmare to deal with. Sadly, this is very true. I have worked for them twice, called their automated phone system many times, and STILL can’t get through their automated phone system sometimes. Contacting them online is a much better way to go, most likely. There used to be a tech over at [uverseusers.com](http://uverseusers.com) who responded personally to IMs, he handled Uverse order issues and also technical issues. Now they have some form you fill out instead. I would try twittering them, like the poster above mentioned. If that doesn’t work, I’d use facebook. ---
**Author:** ![al27052](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/55 "2012-08-06T14:00:31Z")
> [@stpauler](#): > > [Comcast, one of the nation’s largest providers has a 250GB bandwidth cap.](http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/common-questions-excessive-use/) (I exceeded it once and was given notice that if I did it again, my service would be immediately terminated). > > [AT&T has 150 GB bandwidth cap.](http://gigaom.com/video/att-bandwidth-cap-netflix/) > > [Cox has a “soft” bandwidth cap.](http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Cox-Starts-Threatening-Disconnection-if-You-Use-Their-Product-116858) > Your neighbor doesn’t need your permission to produce the WiFi signal per the FCC. [In fact, they might even up the range to MILES.](http://www.technologyreview.com/view/420911/long-range-wi-fi-edges-nearer-with-fcc-decision/) That still doesn’t change whether it’s illegal or not to hop on their WiFi. AT&T does not enforce their DSL cap. They don’t even HAVE a Uverse data cap, they just gave up on it after a while. Neither does Cox enforce theirs. Comcast has enforced theirs only sporadically. In fact, I said _usually_ bandwidth caps are not an issue, not ALWAYS. If I were you, I would stop using links and information in your responses to my posts. I fucking INSTALLED and SERVICED Uverse internet and TV for AT&T, and did tech support for AT&T Wireless. I still work in the TV and internet industry NOW. I’m already very , very aware of every single bit of “oh so convincing” information that you post. Please give the fuck up on convincing me. ---
**Author:** ![al27052](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/56 "2012-08-06T14:01:32Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > So then, when my iPad automatically connects, it is my duty to investigate the source of the signal and determine whether or not the signal is a free offering? According to libertarian cranks everywhere, it seems so. ---
**Author:** ![al27052](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/57 "2012-08-06T14:05:37Z")
Using unprotected Wifi is just like jaywalking. It’s never prosecuted except maybe concurrently along with other charges related to an internet-based crime, like downloading child porn or committing online fraud. This is just how it is, and how it will most likely continue to be for a while. The fact is that the wireless cellular data networks just don’t have the capacity yet to allow smartphones and tablets to do all their surfing using the cell towers’ data. Until this changes, and it will take years before it does, it’s just not realistic to enforce this. Bunch of goddamn internet libertarians. Fucking insane cranks crawling out of the goddamn woodwork. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/58 "2012-08-06T14:10:44Z")
> [@al27052](#): > > AT&T does not enforce their DSL cap. They don’t even HAVE a Uverse data cap, they just gave up on it after a while. Neither does Cox enforce theirs. Comcast has enforced theirs only sporadically. In fact, I said _usually_ bandwidth caps are not an issue, not ALWAYS. > > If I were you, I would stop using links and information in your responses to my posts. I fucking INSTALLED and SERVICED Uverse internet and TV for AT&T, and did tech support for AT&T Wireless. I still work in the TV and internet industry NOW. I’m already very , very aware of every single bit of “oh so convincing” information that you post. Please give the fuck up on convincing me. Sorry if facts bother you. I’m sure that since you installed and serviced them, you would know all about the billing part, and the CEO’s job, and all of the various sundry items that had fuckall to do with your job, your ignorant blanket statements, and your dearth of legal knowledge. Bravo, dumbass. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/59 "2012-08-06T14:16:20Z")
A few years back I set my WiFi up to allow any access because I really didn’t care if my neighbors used it. A few years later I got a little more picky about my bandwidth and protected my service with a password. I had always assumed that by allowing all access to my service I was giving permission to use it. Now I come to find out that, no I wasn’t, and my neighbors were all criminals. I guess I was a criminal too for letting them use it too. Where do I turn myself in? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2012, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351/60 "2012-08-06T14:19:04Z")
> [@al27052](#): > > If I were you, I would stop using links and information in your responses to my posts. If I were you I’d consider making this your sig, because it made me laugh. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-at-t-fuck-you-landlord/630351.md?page=4)