Sounds very far fetched to me...

So basically I'll be able to run Ethereal and capture all those facebook, msn money logins... And for those who live locally and use it regularly I'll be able to track their movements, build up a nice profile etc.

'It will be encrypted.'

Okay... But I can go 'outside' (knowing my password key) and transmit lots of data. Come back inside and start the decryption method with the PUBLIC key handy...

Thanks BT for the 'hack-lab'

Anonymous, Anonymous,

1. BT isn't just going to release a new product to the public without trials or without thinking it through. They might get it wrong, but someone will sit down and think.

2. I would expect users will have to login in some way to use the "hotspots". This would allow for user tracking and application of contention ratios to allow the hotspot owner bandwidth priority or have some kickback for letting other users have access.

3. This will not directly increase the spreading of viruses or worms. Most commonly spread by emails and dodgy websites, the risk is the same on any network without security.

4. There are security risks involved in the sense that breaking the encryption on 'wirelessly' sent packets is unbelievably easy. So sending personal information such as credit card numbers is a big no no. But again the risks are the same on any wireless network.

In theory this would be a good idea for quick access to websites, email and non sensitive data on the move.

Marcus, newbury, England

Given that BT only actually provide me with 0.5 Mbps, I don't think it'll work for me, sharing the line would be deciding who is actually on it...

Oh and by the way as a previous contributor said, I won't be able to "share" with my neighbour because I can't get hold of his WiFi router (even if WEP were off and SSID advertised) ; perhaps we should all be paying to get WiFi range expanders to help poor old BT out...

I think it would help if they first fixed:
1) Access for people at the end of a long line to the exchange
2) Making us pay to tell them that their Broadband isn't working
before doing this... it smells a bit like their Guerilla Marketing campaigns "You do our advertising and we might provide you with a decent connection"...

Yes I can switch, and I might get better fault reporting service ( it could hardly be worse ), but its the infrastrcture that matters and thats all run by BT OpenReach so I don't have a choice really.

J, Worcestershire, UK

well they'll have to get rid of download limits and the "fare usage agreement" I’m happy for people to use my broadband to check there emails but what if someone’s sitting outside downloading movies and go’s over my download limit? And a "community Wi-Fi network" that mean I would have to disable my wep code, that would leave me open to hackers who can easily monitor online purchases with network access.

Caleb Holland, Millborne Port, Dorset

Sounds typical of a move by BT. The concept of 'sharing' your bandwidth with other users surely excludes being charged for the privilege. "Paying to share" sounds like something espoused by Sharman Networks .....

The over commitment by BT, to have upgraded all exchanges to support IPTV, is obviously costing them more than anticipated, hence this facile attempt to generate more revenue.

Face facts BT, your days are numbered. Given that you've had it so good for so long, isn't it about time you stopped trying to rip off the man in the street.

Alexander G Bell, London, UK

So basically we can opt to use other peoples wi-fi equipment in exchange for letting them use ours, sounds good!

Or does it?

At the minute a BTHomeHub can barely send a signal beyond the walls of a deteched house, therefore if this were to work a more powerful wi-fi access point would be needed and / or an improved wi-fi protocol.

Security wise you would be essentially opening your doors to everyone and unless BT included software to prevent outside users accessing your home network (which probably wouldn't be 100% effective) its possible that someone could gain access to your machines.

Pete, Bradford,

That is a fairly non thought through idea then...they must imploy some priority to the owner of the home device otherwise their connection will suffer. Also this may lead to opening a can of worms virus wise :). Not to meantion how to enforce rules on this type of network, if you get some people download ilegal content music movies etc who will the problem be tracked to? The home owner i should imagine. Also how long till the system gets hacked and joe hacky bloggs starts using your home connection?

Paul, Oxford,

Can't Wait!!!

Dan Walters, Cambridgeshire, England