But one does not necessarily have a contract with Time Warner. Agreed if someone has a contract with Time Warner and allows the general public internet access, then it is whatever the contract requires. But if I search for internet providers in and around Taft, Ca. I come up with 16 internet providers.
Take a look at Seattlewireless.net. I think most of the connections to the internet are through various universities.
Seattle also has city provided wireless internet
"The City of Seattle provides free wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in the Columbia City and the University District business districts, and the City Hall lobby area. Service provided to downtown Seattle parks has been temporarily suspended due to construction on our transmitting site. This is a pilot project. Users can log-in using seattlewifi for the ssid."
I also think Starbucks provides free WiFi at all its locations in Seattle.
And not fast but free internet access via the phonelines in Seattle is NoCharge.com.
Dan