Bank-Fi?

No, more like "Gee, this access point is open so I guess it's okay to use...right?"

Sorry, folks, but that's not how it works. And you'd think anyone submitting locations to JiWire and WiFiFreeSpot to add to their listings would know better, but it appears one local contributor doesn't-and it also looks as if neither site bothered with verifying the submission before posting it, which is simply frightening.

Anyway, here's the straight dope with regard to the Northland bank branch currently listed on both sites. According to a staff member I spoke with there, they DO NOT offer wireless Internet access. Therefore, any open networks you may see while on those premises are owned by someone else, and if you connect to them you will be using them without authorization unless you took the time to obtain permission beforehand.

Besides, why would a bank offer Wi-Fi anyway? It's not really a place customers are inclined to hang around, is it?