For anyone that is confused about whether or not it is legal to use your neighbor’s wireless internet access point (router), please read this. It is illegal. After being annoyed out of my mind by an acquaintance claiming that it is legal to use your neighbor’s wireless access point if it is unsecured, I did one google search to find this:

Is It Legal to Use Open Access Wi-Fi Internet Connections?

He claimed that the “Internet Privacy Act” made it legal to use your neighbor’s wireless access point if it wasn’t secured. Too bad the “Internet Privacy Act” was a hoax.

Using Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Many public places such as restaurants, airports, coffee shops, and libraries offer free Wi-Fi connections. It is usually legal to use these services. Using any public Wi-Fi hotspot is legal when you have the service provider’s permission and follow the terms of service. These terms may include:

Restrictions on the time of day when, or locations where, you can access the public internet.

-Limits on the amount of network bandwidth you use.
-Restrictions on the viewing of inappropriate websites or engaging in questionable online activities.

Using a Neighbor’s Wi-Fi Connection
Using a neighbor’s unprotected wireless access point without their knowledge and permission, known as piggybacking, is a bad idea even if it isn’t illegal in your locality. It might not be legal even with permission. The answer depends on the policies of residential internet service providers and plans. If the service provider allows it and the neighbor agrees, using the neighbor’s Wi-Fi connection is legal.