This is definitly a more definitive answer that Speakeasy supports sharing of their DSL and T1 connections. Hopefully this will clear up the multiple versions of the stories we have been seeing from Speakeasy. --Terry
http://www.speakeasy.net/main.php?page=pr111902 Speakeasy Breaks with Mainline ISPs, Embraces Wi-Fi and Promotes Shared Broadband Connections SEATTLE - In a bold move, Speakeasy, the nation's largest independent broadband service provider, has begun promoting shared, wireless networks (also known as Wi-Fi) among its broadband customers. This action marks a clear break from the policies of mainline ISPs and opens the door for sanctioned, neighborhood wireless broadband networks using Speakeasy DSL products. Speakeasy has inaugurated its new policy by offering a free wireless access point (either 11 Mbps/802.11b or 72 Mbps/802.11a) to new subscribers when they order Speakeasy DSL or T1 services. "Unlike traditional ISPs, which either prohibit wireless networking entirely or grudgingly allow it but saddle customers with extra fees, Speakeasy is encouraging unfettered access. Speakeasy users can extend their broadband connections wirelessly - to additional computers in their homes or even to computers in neighboring homes," said Mike Apgar, Speakeasy CEO. "Speakeasy is virtually alone in encouraging neighborhood Wi-Fi networks." Based on the popular 802.11 wireless standard, wireless fidelity or "Wi-Fi" networks allow users to connect PCs, laptops and other network resources such as printers to one another without the use of wired connections such as Ethernet. As a result, Wi-Fi users can be connected to the Internet no matter where they are around home or office - even if they are sitting in their back yard with a laptop. Speakeasy offers DSL and T1 services to both business and residential customers and has extended its new wireless policy to all service types. Speakeasy broadband services are extremely well suited to wireless networking as all Speakeasy connections come with static IPs, which are required to identify computers on a wireless network. Most mainline ISPs only provide dynamic IPs, which make wireless networking extremely difficult. According to Apgar, it is even possible that a cafi owner might establish a wireless network or "hotspot" using a Speakeasy business DSL circuit. But, unlike hotspot services provided by some nationwide coffee chains, Speakeasy wouldn't require payment from cafi customers who use the Wi-Fi connection. "The way we see it, the business owner already has paid Speakeasy for a broadband connection - it's his decision whether he wants to offer Wi-Fi access to his customers," said Apgar. Speakeasy's wireless promotion is available through the end of the year and new customers can receive a free, SMC EZ Connect(tm) 11Mbps (802.11b) Wireless Access Point to new subscribers to its Home Office, SysAdmin or Gamer DSL packages. New business T1 or SDSL subscribers will receive an SMC EZ Connect? 72 Mbps (802.11a) Wireless Access Point. The access points, or hubs, are used in conjunction with a DSL modem or router and support up to 64 users simultaneously. The wireless promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Speakeasy broadband service is available in most metropolitan areas within the 48 contiguous states and those interested can go to www.speakeasy.net or call 1-800-556-5829. Customer service agents are available 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. PST Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. PST Saturday. -- The Personal Telco Project - http://www.personaltelco.net/ Un/Subscribe: http://lists.personaltelco.net/mailman/listinfo/ptp/ Archives: http://lists.personaltelco.net/pipermail/ptp/ Etiquette: http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/MailingListEtiquette ----- End forwarded message ----- -- NYCwireless - http://www.nycwireless.net/ Un/Subscribe: http://lists.nycwireless.net/mailman/listinfo/nycwireless/ Archives: http://lists.nycwireless.net/pipermail/nycwireless/
