Cable companies crack down on Wi-Fi

Cable companies in the US are clamping down on people who let others share their broadband connection via wireless networks, reports News.com (and Newhouse News has a fuller feature on an alleged broadband 'thief'). You can be sure similar "crackdowns" will make it to this side of the pond as Wi-Fi takes off. What a shame the cable companies didn't come up with a more inventive solution than a cease and desist letter from their lawyers. A solution, say, like Ben Hammersley's suggestion that cable companies actually encourage Wi-Fi sharing - but only to their own customers. Could an enlightened UK telco lead the way? Don't hold your breath...