Originally Posted by
MIT_SBM
Isn't this essentially stealing from the hotel?
Suppose a hotel offers a continuous buffet. Now suppose for whatever reason they implemented a system whereby they sold you a ticket that was valid for a single sitting. Would you attempt to use that single ticket for multiple sittings if someone told you how to do it?
Now replace ticket with MAC address/cookie and buffet with internet access and multiple sittings with multiple devices, etc.
It seems that the hotel has made clear the terms under which they are going to sell internet access and if you agree to those terms by paying for the service then shouldn't you abide by your agreement?
(Please note, I am playing devil's advocate on this issue as I travel with multiple devices that may require internet access especially when I travel with my gf.)
I would argue that internet access fees are really for the person. "I" am paying for access. It should not matter how I choose to access the internet, but "I" have 1 ticket to consume, just like the buffet.
An equal comparison might be if the buffet limited me to how much I could eat, or in what order I eat, or how many plates I use.
Again I understand the terms of service spell this out in language that doesn't support my comments. For me the solution is to either have the hotel waive these fees up front, or find another hotel to stay in. It is much more honest than trying to setup personal wifi networks and "steal" access (as the hotel would see it).