After realizing that cafes were setting up wireless networks, I had been wondering if the following were possible. An SFGate article exposes the “wireless underground” of San Francisco’s wireless networks. The claim, verified by a founder of the Bay Area Wireless User Group, is that you can gain wireless Internet access (and often access to private networks) almost anywhere in downtown San Francisco. Many companies and individuals setting up 802.11b networks so they can work without a wire are not paying attention to security. This is a great twist, though perhaps not as voyeuristic, to listening in on wireless phone conversations. And I bet you can pick up plenty of signals driving all over the Silicon Valley (depending on population density). Some people have intentionally publicized their wireless access as a favor to others, which is a wonderful community gesture. And some people are wondering if wireless access will become a public utility. I’m thinking wireless access at the mall may buy me some extra shopping time with the hubby-to-be.