> And how do you tell if it's a public hotspot? Because if it isn't it would have some form of access control.
If you see a sign saying this is a public hotspot then you are pretty clear, if you don't then you are not. Your example above is bogus as well, if you are sitting right next to a sign that says this is a public access area and some other goof setup their wifi with no security as well then charges should not be brought against you (I will not say will not, I've lost all faith in governmental ability to make a good choice when faced with unclear options)
If you see a sign saying this is a public hotspot then you are pretty clear, if you don't then you are not. Your example above is bogus as well, if you are sitting right next to a sign that says this is a public access area and some other goof setup their wifi with no security as well then charges should not be brought against you (I will not say will not, I've lost all faith in governmental ability to make a good choice when faced with unclear options)