FON a startup with a very simple idea is taking the world by storm, FON wants you to share your internet bandwidth. Owners of broadband internet connections and compatible WiFi routers (currently Linksys WRT54G (pre-v5), WRT54GL, WRT54GS and WRT54GSv4, or Buffalo WZR-RS-G54, WHR-HP-54, and WHR-G54S and FON claims more are to be supported in the near future) can participate in the FON network by installing FON's firmware on their routers. FON is also shipping routers that have the firmware pre-installed for $29.95 including shipping. Currently FON users can either choose to share their bandwidth freely or can choose charge other FON users for access to the internet thru their routers. FON currently supports three kinds of users.
Linus: Linuses are users who share their internet connection freely without charging for it.
Aliens: Aliens are users who do not share their internet connectivity and get charged $3 to access the FON network when available.
Bill: Bills are users who get a share of the money paid by Aliens and do not have roaming access. these users do not share their Bandwidth for free.
Participating in the FON network might sometimes conflict with the terms of use of some ISPs, but FON has entered into agreements with some ISPs to allow DSL-sharing.
FON recently inked a deal to bundle its "La Fonera" router with Skype's WiFi wireless phone Bundle.
The company which was founded in 2006 has received backing from big players like Google, Skype and eBay.
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