Russia requires registration of WiFi devices, hotspots

So much for the ease of WiFi. Russia's newly formed regulatory super-agency, Rossvyazokhrankultura (short for the Russian Mass Media, Communications and Cultural Protection Service), is requiring the registration of every WiFi device and hotspot, according to news agency Fontanka.

The registration requirement also applies to home networks, laptops, smart phones and WiFi-enabled PDAs, and registration only permits use by the owner. Registration for personal devices reportedly takes 10 days, but registering a hotspot--including a home network--is more complicated, involving a set of documents and technological certifications. Any networks in Moscow or St. Petersburg need the additional approval of two federal agencies. 

To find out more about Russia's new requirement:
- check out this article [2] from Techworld

Related articles:
Analysts say Russian market big for WiMAX Russian WiMAX report [3] 
WiMAX arrives in Russia Russia WiMAX report [4]