One thing I like to think about at&t they wouldn't knowingly share my internet connection with others around me
Another customers password or not,
That does seem to stretch the word Public to another meaning,
Pretty wild stuff,
I also though my password was not very strong by at&t default standards but at least Public is off by default ?
This is a known "feature" of BT's UK network - this allows other BT customers to utilise "Spare Bandwidth" whilst not at home.
I am not a BT customer but AFAIK It may be disabled in the router.
Although I am not a BT customer, my phone, (from EE/T-Mobile), comes with an app that automatically will find and log on to any available BT-Home network. I do not actually use the app as I have a good unlimited contract but it is an option
I believe it might get the most sticky as far as who's getting priority in the bandwidth being shared,
I for one would not be all that happy if I wasn't getting priority on what I'm paying for and barely receiving as it is and some neighbor or passer by was altering that bandwidth in anyway shape or form,
Cheers.
But the passerby already can impact your bandwidth if they use a hotspot from your neighbor's home. Doesn't cable share bandwidth for all of those that are on a common hub (distribution box)? (Or whatever the equipment is called.) In our area, they put 10 homes to a box.
Cable users do share bandwidth, but I doubt it has any effect on speed. It would take a bunch of online gamers all online at the same time to have any effect. It's possible, but unlikely. Even during peak hours, I don't see much fluctuation.
How do I disable/enable the XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot feature?
We encourage all subscribers to keep this feature enabled as it allows more people to enjoy the benefits of XFINITY WiFi around the neighborhood. You will always have the ability to disable the XFINITY WiFi feature on your Wireless Gateway by calling 1-800-XFINITY.
XFINITY WiFi - FAQs
A Guy
Interesting tidbit from that FAQ...
How many visitors can connect to the XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot at one time?
Up to five devices can connect to the “xfinitywifi” signal simultaneously.
He raises some very good points Wolfgang. I'm certainly no WiFi guru but I suspect someone wily enough could get access to the whole network with Comcast's willingness to share others subscriptions.
So this is comcast's way of offering people cheap internet? By allowing users to by a slow speed for home but connect to someone who could have a very fast speed and steal bandwith by POSSIBLY playing MMOs and etc.
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