Amazon switches on Sidewalk, a neighborhood wireless network

filadendron/E+ via Getty Images

• Amazon's (NASDAQ:AMZN) Sidewalk project goes live today without asking your permission. The "neighborhood network" pools local internet connections from millions of Amazon Echo speakers and Ring products to let smart devices have a wider range of operation. While users have not been asked to opt-in, they could still turn the capability off, though their devices won't be able to access its network.
• How much data will it use? "The maximum bandwidth of a Sidewalk Bridge to the Sidewalk server is 80Kbps, which is about 1/40th of the bandwidth used to stream a typical high definition video," according to Amazon. "When you share your Bridge's connection with Sidewalk, total monthly data used by Sidewalk, per account, is capped at 500MB, which is equivalent to streaming about 10 minutes of high definition video."
• How does it work? Signals from all of Amazon's neighborhood devices join together to create what’s called a mesh network. The low-bandwidth wireless grid can stretch half a mile to connect hard-to-reach areas across urban and suburban America. Amazon isn't charging for Sidewalk, though "standard data rates from internet providers may apply."
• Outlook: Plenty of concerns abound, like helping Amazon build a network likened to Big Brother or the potential hacking into private connections. However, Amazon says Sidewalk is built with three layers of encryption to secure data traveling on the system and keep customers safe and in control. There are also many positive uses for the project. Besides extending the range of connected devices, Amazon Sidewalk is partnering with CareBand to track people with dementia, and is adding smart lock-maker Level and Bluetooth lost-item tracker Tile to the Sidewalk project.

Comments

[Jack Reacher]

How is Sidewalk supposed to help US?

Or is it just for Amazon's benefit?

[Gary J is Rich on AMZN]

@Jack Reacher

bandwidth when away from your own wi-fi. Do your research.

[Buyandhold 2012]

Sort of like the old fashioned party lines that we used to have with Ma Bell in the 1950s.

What goes around comes around.

Everything old is new again.

[craftbrewinfo]

@Buyandhold 2012 haha ! that's exactly what I thought LOL .. everyone in the house with an extension cord but the same phone line 70's style

[RI$ING CAPITAL]

You can turn it off, jeez people.

[Who Dat?]

Why I never buy Amazon gadgets with Alexa enabled from day one. I can see lot more class action lawsuits coming (in addition to current class action lawsuits).

[financeminister]

No Amazon devices after this - conclusion by family members & extended family on our family group chat after this revelation.

[Rob Greenly]

@financeminister If you don't want to participate just turn it off

[financeminister]

@Rob Greenly How about I take a little money from everyone ... just $0.01 and if they don't want to participate, they can opt out.

[pat45]

how do you opt out of this

[yogatech]

@pat45 how do you opt out of this

Here's how to opt out of Sidewalk:
Open your Alexa app.
Open more, and select settings.
Select “Account settings.”
Select “Amazon Sidewalk.”
Turn Amazon Sidewalk “On” or “Off.”

[Johann Galt]

@yogatech
Yes, because this will absolutely guaranteed turn it off. You know this because tech is always open and honest.

[collalder]

@pat45 can be turned of on your devices, but needs for the user to turn off the feature or you will automatically have opted in.

[Mombajuice]

Nothing good here. WAZE was the best app in the world, now owned by the Satanic Company called GOOGLE. RING to AMZN is another debacle. These Totalitarian Communist State firms are completely destroying the country.

[collalder]

@Mombajuice must have voted for Trumpanzee and opted into conspiracy channel Q.

[Mombajuice]

@collalder because there have never been incidents of your privacy being invaded with negative consequences…

[NexTrade]

How is this even legal?

[kotis]

@NexTrade why would it be illegal?

[Jack Reacher]

@NexTrade

they have your (negative) consent...

[NexTrade]

@kotis stealing your service without your consent would be illegal. You'd be violating the 18 U.S. Code § 1030 - Fraud and related activity in connection with computers. www.law.cornell.edu/...

[rgtichy]

Thieves of "tiled" objects beware?

[Brandon B8859]

Now Amazon wants to listen to you when you're outside as well. This is very 1984ish

[Gary J is Rich on AMZN]

I'm opted in for the bandwidth when I need it most. Thanks, Amazon.

[Johann Galt]

@Gary J is Rich on AMZN - this uses bandwidth does it not? Please explain how this gives you extra bandwidth?

[Gary J is Rich on AMZN]

@Johann Galt

When not on your own wi-fi.

Do your research.

[Colin Tedards]

What could possibly go wrong??!!!

[ppointer]

No Amazon devices at our house. If Nest follows a similar plan, I’ll be yanking them out!

[V_uniqueacc]

@ppointer your neighbor’s Echo is spying on you anyway 😬

[ppointer]

@V_uniqueacc No Doubt!! My Xfinity box, too!

[Glorious Canvas Lion]

Check out Helium which at least asks your permission and rewards you

[collalder]

@Glorious Canvas Lion you can turn it off in your settings, so ?
you can opt out