This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this folio. Terms of use.

HofStra

In the lead-upwards to the outset presidential debate on Monday, Hofstra University dropped a bombshell on journalists attending the event to encompass it for diverse publications. Instead of providing free Wi-Fi or offering the service for a nominal fee, attendees were expected to pony upward $200 per person. At present the FCC has been asked to investigate the affair, based on the fact that Hofstra may accept broken multiple laws. Reports from the debate flooring indicate the school didn't just attempt to fleece journalists — it deployed a scanning device to observe and shutdown any personal hotspots or ad hoc wireless networks anyone on the floor attempted to create.

According to a 2022 public discover published by the FCC, "Willful or malicious interference with Wi-Fi hotspots is illegal." under department 333 of the Communications Deed. Marriott was fined several years agone past the FCC over its conclusion to block and interfere with the hotspots guests created. Then, as at present, the law on the affair is quite clear — forcing people to utilize your incredibly expensive Internet by disconnecting them from their own devices isn't legal.

1 of the FCC commissioners, Jessica Rosenworcel, has asked the agency to investigate Hofstra's actions. Right now, it's not clear if Hofstra really broke the police. The question may hinge on whether Hofstra really used its device to block Wi-Fi, or if information technology simply spoke to individuals and told them they couldn't utilise their ain hardware. A argument sent to Ars Technica by Hofstra claims that the $200 per-person fee did not cover the cost of edifice out a split Wi-Fi network for journalists and those attending the debate, and that people who were institute to be broadcasting an unauthorized access bespeak were asked "to visit the RF desk-bound located in the Hall. The CPD RF engineer would determine if the device could broadcast without interference."

It'south hard to buy these statements when you see the toll sheets for all the other services Hofstra offered. Digital darkroom admission (for photographers) was $75, but if you wanted wired Ethernet for the debate, information technology was $325. Printer access cost $250 for a black-and-white laser, and $400 for a multi-function light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation printer with a scanner. Need to hire a 42-inch TV? That was $565.

Hofstra undoubtedly shucked out big bucks for hosting the fence, and we don't blame the university for wanting to recoup some of that toll. But forced Wi-Fi redirection really isn't the mode to do it — especially since the service apparently wasn't even very good and dropped out at least once during the evening. If the FCC decides to become involved, Hofstra could lose more it fabricated on the entire affair; penalties for Wi-Fi interference have previously been in the $650,000 to $750,000 range.