That's true. We use the term free firmware (free as in freedom), because opennes is weaker than freedom. Even though some free software developers in the open source camp call those "open firmware".
However, to use this chip in freedom, be sure to run the kernel linux-libre with the free firmware. There is also a nonfree firmware that some distributions might have in the repository or preinstalled. Be carefull not to fall in their trap. -- Buy the freedom-respecting wifi http://tehnoetic.com/adapter
