Thousands of political journalists gathered at Long Island's Hofstra University for tonight's presidential debate are struggling to access the internet thanks to technicians shutting down hotspots and requiring $200 for access to a wireless network.
According to Politico's Kenneth Vogel, technicians are patrolling the press area with devices that detect and shut down personal hotspots.
Last year, the Federal Communications Commission said blocking an individual's personal Wi-Fi hotspot is illegal, specifically calling out hotels and convention centers.
Charging the press for a wireless connection at the debates isn't new for Hofstra, but the site's ban on personal devices is more aggressive than at the 2012 debate.
Hofstra's media rate sheet states a $200 fee to access a wireless network, a $325 fee for a tethered internet connection and for teams of 20 or more press members, a $3,500 fee to use Wi-Fi on unlimited devices.
According to some, the $200 wireless internet service was having its own set of problems.
And social media users—especially press members—weren't too happy about it.
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