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A comment on $718K penalty against M.C. Dean for blocking Wi-Fi devices (2015). Parent comment

Re:$718K penalty against M.C. Dean for blocking Wi-Fi device... by caseysoftware on Wednesday January 04, 2017 @10:29AM (#13319022)
> On October 23, 2014, the Commission received an informal complaint from a company that provides private Wi-Fi networks for exhibitors at trade shows by shipping equipment to customers around the country. The complainant stated in part that it had "just spent all morning arguing with M.C. Dean company who provides wireless [at the BCC] until they finally ceased sending de-auth signals to our router."

They were actively harming/disrupting others' equipment. It wasn't just "oh, your signal sucks, use ours!" but "we're going to knock you offline unless you pay."

Disclosure: I used to work for MC Dean 10+ years ago.

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Re:$718K penalty against M.C. Dean for blocking Wi-Fi device... by imgabe on Wednesday January 04, 2017 @01:24PM (#13320705)
Right, but I'm sure it wasn't someone at MC Dean who decided "hey let's jam everyone else's signal". They're just the contractor. Someone had to tell them "please install equipment to jam other people's signal".

Now, they probably should have pushed back and advised the owner that what they wanted was illegal, but I'm sure it wasn't their idea. They don't own the building or host the conferences, so why would MC Dean care who uses which Wifi?

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Re:$718K penalty against M.C. Dean for blocking Wi-Fi device... by caseysoftware on Wednesday January 04, 2017 @03:06PM (#13321589)
In DC, the red light camera operators had a kickback deal with the city. They got a cut of every ticket issued.

If there was a deal like that in place, it would be motivating to disrupt the alternatives.

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Re:$718K penalty against M.C. Dean for blocking Wi-Fi device... by TheCoelacanth on Wednesday January 04, 2017 @04:29PM (#13322222)
You aren't absolved of the consequences of committing a crime just because you were hired to do it.
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