Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by sneak 4009 days ago
In most developed countries, this is against residential service TOS and could subject the operator to disconnection.
1 comments

Like how you aren't allowed to rent your house like hotels (AirBnB) or to use your personal car as a cab (Uber)?
No, those are laws that you are subject to involuntarily.

I am talking about a contract that you agree to when you purchase service.

Most rental contracts and HOA agreements (where present) ban subletting. Most car insurance bans working as a taxi unless specifically agreed.
Philosophically a good point, but in reality, that is a bad analogy. Your local gas station won't cut you off if you drive for Uber. The guy who built your house won't tear it down if you rent it out. But your ISP can, and will, disconnect you.

There is a significant difference between freely using something you own. vs changing how you use a service that you do not own, and have signed contracts specifying terms of use.

I guess that depends on "If your ISP disconnects you today, can you get internet from another ISP in a week?"
Are you sure that your ISP can really figure that you are sharing internet with others at their end ?

Even if they do, legally speaking, will you sharing the internet connection on your name with your flatmate / family members would amount to breach of contract ? In all likelihood, your flatmate shares the cost of the internet with you. Isnt this case is exactly the same, somebody else using your internet & helping you offset some of your cost. Am I missing something here ?

Only if more than 1 provider is available in your area. With my ISP, sharing with the public is not allowed. As such, any torrenting that happens I am responsible for. The only other provider we have is dial up, which I don't consider an alternative.