What is the Open Wireless Movement?
Imagine a future with ubiquitous open Internet.
We envision a world where, in any urban environment:
- Dozens of open networks are available at your fingertips.
- Tablets, watches, and other new devices can automatically join these networks to do nifty things.
- The societal expectation is one of sharing, and, as a result, wireless Internet is more efficient.
- The false notion that an IP address could be used as a sole identifier is finally a thing of the past, creating a privacy-enhancing norm of shared networks.
We’re working with a coalition of volunteer engineers to build technologies that will let users open their wireless networks without compromising their security or sacrificing bandwidth. And we’re working with advocates to help change the way people and businesses think about Internet service.
Join the movement now.
The Open Wireless Movement is a coalition of Internet freedom advocates, companies, organizations, and technologists working to develop new wireless technologies and to inspire a movement of Internet openness. We are aiming to build technologies that would make it easy for Internet subscribers to portion off their wireless networks for guests and the public while maintaining security, protecting privacy, and preserving quality of access.
We’re also teaching the world about the many benefits of open wireless in order to help society move away from closed networks and to a world in which openness is the default. Our efforts follow the opinion of nationally recognized computer security expert Bruce Schneier, who considers maintaining an open wireless node a matter of “basic politeness”:
Whenever I talk or write about my own security setup, the one thing that surprises people—and attracts the most criticism—is the fact that I run an open wireless network at home. There’s no password. There’s no encryption. Anyone with wireless capability who can see my network can use it to access the internet.
To me, it’s basic politeness. Providing internet access to guests is kind of like providing heat and electricity, or a hot cup of tea.
We’re working together to advocate for a world where the Internet will be available to more people while also using the spectrum more efficiently. And we are working to debunk myths (and confront truths) about open wireless while creating technologies and legal precedent to ensure it is safe, private, and legal to open your network.
Join us. If you’re a technologist, you can join the discussion on our technical mailing list. If you’re an open wireless supporter, embed a widget onto your site. And if you’re an organization or independent advocate willing to actively contribute to the Movement, send an introductory email to openwireless@eff.org. Everyone can stay abreast of happenings at the Open Wireless Movement by following our blog. Press inquiries? Email press@eff.org.