I live in Japan and first noticed this "feature" when I'd lose connection as eve... | Hacker News

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		kalleboo on April 5, 2023 \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: Tell HN: iOS lets carriers add WiFi networks that ... I live in Japan and first noticed this "feature" when I'd lose connection as every time I'd walk past a FamilyMart convenience store (which you can find every 3 blocks or so) it would connect to "0000docomo" and then immediately lose connection as I kept walking. Although in my case, disabling auto-join works fine. Why would they install WiFi repeaters and not just 4G/5G microcells on the trains?

rizwank on April 5, 2023 | [–]

I suspect cell site density and that Wi-Fi infra doesn’t require the same regulatory permissions as a microcell. Wi-Fi is unlicensed.

kalleboo on April 5, 2023 | | [–]

Yeah I guess there may not be a regulatory framework for ambulatory cells

Havoc on April 5, 2023 | [–]

Cost seems like the most likely answer

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