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Unread 13-12-2013, 07:17
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Re: Internet at Competitions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ankit S. View Post
So if I am understanding this correctly, we cant use the Internet at all during competition anymore? Even over 3G/4G?
Speaking for only myself here:

I do not believe that FIRST extends that rule to 3G/4G.
If they intend it that way, then I should hope it is limited as a rule applying to the team.

In other words: if 3G/4G data service is not allowed it is within respect to team efforts (like scouting applications).

I say this because: I have global planetary responsibilities (in short this is no joke and it could impact everyone, everywhere). Frankly if there is service I need to be available. I can cooperate only so far with this. I can check in occasionally. I can and do take the day off while at a competition. However I can not allow FIRST to create a situation that could lead to a level of harm they can't possibly have liability insurance adequate for.

3G/4G to a phone client does not present a risk to the field. Turning on a WiFi hot spot on your phone might.

Frankly I think any interpretation of that rule to prevent 3G/4G client access for people that are in situations such as myself will literally cripple FIRST (consider the corporate sponsorship: the number of FIRST mentors, volunteers, organizers and parents that are in situations like myself). The only way that makes sense with regard to 3G/4G is to cut down on teams with team efforts to use the Internet. In short teams should not write Internet applications but individuals data usage on 3G/4G as clients only on that network is okay.

Besides this would be entirely unenforceable. The number of smartphones by nonaligned spectators directly next to the field with active network synchronization on 3G/4G would be large. FIRST would have to tell every spectator to turn off their phones and even then there would be people that would not comply. Start weeding them out and quickly it will hurt FIRST's reputation.

At the point that FIRST as an organization goes >that far< stop playing around with WiFi for critical field functions because it is manufacturing many problems where there need not be any. Going >that far< actually has a tangible cost in reputation and likely support. So whatever it ends up costing FIRST if they had to make that leap balance that against the potentially much higher risk of financial impact.

Do not interpret this is a threat. Interpret it as what it is. I am an engineer this is my observation of the risk.

Last edited by techhelpbb : 13-12-2013 at 07:31.