Using the Neighbor's Wireless Network?

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This was the attitude of a 39-year old Londoner on Tuesday. Officers found the man roaming, laptop in hand, outside a west London home.

They questioned him and he admitted tapping into someone else's unsecured wireless connection. He was taken to jail where he was released on bond.

Using the internet access of someone else is a violation of the country's Communications Act.

In the U.S., unauthorized sharing of an internet connection is also a criminal act which is covered under laws pertaining to computer-related crimes (unauthorized use of a network), privacy acts, and theft of utility service.

Using a neighbor's internet connection can also be a breach of civil law, with or without permission. Most consumer-use contracts forbid the sharing of a connection between two residences.