Homeless Hotspots

Ever have the problem when you're out and can't find a internet hotspot?  Well our answers are solved now that the idea of homeless hotspots has hit the streets.  That's right, homeless men and women are now being equipped to be human hotspots in cities.  Courtesy of Manhattan-based marketing firm Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), some of the city’s homeless people were given T-shirts, printed with their names, that identified themselves as “homeless hotspots.” They carried devices that allowed them to offer a 4G wireless connection in exchange for donations.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/defense-homeless-hotspots-article-1.1039973#ixzz1pZoxlTsP

This clip is from Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" that covers the story.  It takes a minute or two to get to it, but the clip does eventually get around to the topic. 

Even though I think this is a sick concept, apparently it's not looked at that way by the homeless involved.  The homeless believe it can become a life-changing experience.  No longer are people walking by and ignoring the homeless, but now interacting with them on a personal basis.  They also tell those they are interacting with what they really need.  The good news is...out of all this, is that they are getting paid for being a mobile hotspot and wearing the t-shirts.  They get $50 a day for their services and also receive tips from those using their services.  

Overall, the interpretation of this concept is in the eyes of the beholder.  There are positives and negatives to this human hotspotting.