O2's free Wi-Fi in detail: How free is free exactly?

sms filter

If there isn't already an android app out there to automagically block sms's from certain senders then it surely can't be that difficult to write one... The splash screen advertising will of course already be blocked by adblock on your laptop or whatever your favourite ad blocking plugin is and similar things are available for (rooted) android phones already.

So, free beer on O2's veranda.

Different networks, different rules...

"All UK mobile operators are required to block access to pornography and other adult services over their mobile networks until the customer presents proof of age, but it seems the same company can provide internet access over Wi-Fi without any such obligation: a strange double standard that surely can't be allowed to continue."

I strongly disagree ! The regulation is based on the network type, not on the company and it is wrong to suggest the something like porn filtering should be something applied to O2 as a company due to mobile rules.

After all O2 provide home broadband don't they ? Are you suggesting that just because O2 handle mobile traffic that their home broadband should be proof of age too ?

Sorry, not a particually well thought out statement there sir...

"The MAC address is an Ethernet thing"

I thought that the Media Access Control address was a network interface thing. If it was only for Ethernet you could change it to your heart's content without having much effect on the Wi-Fi (wireless) connection.

Err..

I can't honestly believe ElReg thought they needed to explain what a MAC address was to their readership anyway. Is that just for the IS managers that might be sneaking a peak?

MAC Address

Not so sure you can change a MAC address, as it is physically allocated to the ethernet card, and in theory globally unique. The first half relates to the manufacturer the second relates to that specific card.

Or at least that's how it used to work

@TakeTheSkyRoad

"After all O2 provide home broadband don't they ? Are you suggesting that just because O2 handle mobile traffic that their home broadband should be proof of age too ?"

You aren't allowed to get home broadband and sign into a contract unless you are over 18! That is surely proof enough? The argument could be made for contract pay monthly mobile phone's where you still have to provide proof of age to surf the pr0nz, BUT mummy and or Daddy can be talked into getting a jebusphone for the sprogs on a contract so they don't get picked on at school and can then in turn ring mummy or daddy when they are being picked on without fear of them running out of credit, thus the age check is still necessary!

The point is if this is going to blanket the UK O2 could find themselves in a sticky situation when someone complains that there 13 year old off spring has been watching pr0n on O2's free wifi that they have been filtering out at home!

This is line gives you the reason for that concern.. "When you first connect to the O2 Wi-Fi network, you'll be presented with a request for your name and mobile number."

So registration without address, age, proof of age, biometrics, NHS no, bra size, shoe size, mothers maiden name, inside leg measurement is an option! Thus a free internet for all regardless of age and content genre, i'm all for free internet's, i am all for open content genre, i am not all for kids looking at pr0nz, not many people are, that's why its illegal!

O2, please think of the children!

Wonder if...

...this is bypassable using ssh over DNS? The crippled speed might make it not worth it, but would be interesting to see technically!

@geekclick

A child can already browse pron using a 3G dongle and payg sim, if they're holding folding, or sit near a pub or coffee shop with free wifi, or get some parabolic cookware and find a klutz neighbor with unsecured wifi, or use a proxy at school, and so on.

That horse bolted long ago, not that I think it's a good thing.

Didn't your school have a bike shed or pavilion? We used to use a low-tech system called adult magazines...

The title is required, and must contain letters and/or digits.

http://www.dnstunnel.de/

Complete Fucking Bullshit, O2 DOES packet sniff / URL block

"But at least O2 won't be tracking usage or browsing habits, nor will it be filtering content beyond what's legal and in contrast to the mobile network."

I have a work O2 Crackberry -- can access EVERYTHING no matter how much non-work approved content, very objectionable content, etc.

I have a personal 02 iPhone4 -- has LOTS of sites blocked, E.G. CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and a lot of stuff that ain't blocked for my work Crackberry and I'm on a contract.

02 says I will have to PAY THEM to unblock my personal mobile to view WHAT I WANT as they block URL's / packet sniff. This policy according to the idiots on their 0800 service is EXACTLY the same for URL's.

So feck of, you've not got it right or you're drinking their bong water.

I don't get it

If they're not trying to limit it to either smart phones or their own customers, what is the purpose of requiring the use of text messaging? They just want everybody to carry an extra device?

Encrypt my Wi-Fi Bitch

I'm not interested in public wifi any more.. remember firesheep anyone?

If the SMS I receive has a WPA2 code I'm all for it, otherwise NO!!!