Robert X. Cringley has an interesting idea for how to bootstrap ubiquitous wireless Internet. The idea is to go straight to the individual DSL/cable-modem customer and give them an incentive to share their connection: free wireless hardware and free roaming access to all wireless hotspots on the network. This helps the spread of access points. The bill is footed by paid subscribers who don’t themselves host a hotspot, and also by the connection sharers who must still pay for their DSL or cable service. Cringely argues that competitive pressures will force ISPs to give in and allow connection sharing.