Internet at competitions

[JamieKilburn]

Originally Posted by Deetman

Generally, this rule means do not arrange for an internet service provider (ISP) to set up and provide internet access at the venue. I know this has been discussed in older posts here on CD, but it is pretty much impossible to prevent anyone from using their smartphone data connections at an event. Just don't set up a WiFi network, the field staff monitors the WiFi spectrum and will ask you to turn it off if you do set one up.

Edit: Also, some venues do not have a strong cellular signal. If you are dependent on a cell signal for your scouting system to work, I suggest having a backup plan just in case like local databases on your scouting system that can be merged together.

While I didn't work on it personally, 610's tablet scouting program will save the match data to the local storage if it can't find a cell signal. If you're going to be in areas where service is spotty, I would highly recommend adding something along those lines into your program.

[zakattacks]

Well thanks guys! my system is run mostly offline but for the little bit that does use the internet, I will tether my smartphone to a laptop and get an external antenna for the phone so service won't be much of a problem.

[goofy173]

I don't think anyone checked at several of the competitions I attended as when I searched for wifi signals, there were plenty. At Worlds, there were many. But banned is banned.