Using a high gain, omnidirectional antenna on my PC I can easily connect to many local networks when they're up (the unsecured ones). WEP really isn't a big obstacle if you know what you're doing I've been told, I've never tried to crack it but some friends of mine do it regularly (a hobby?).
I'm usually the provider though, I have a high gain omni on my router (external, it isn't in the house) and provide access to some local folks who can't afford high speed internet. It's mostly utilized by some local college students who are living in a house together (6 of them). I've an agreement with them, if they keep it down and low-key with their parties they get free internet from me, and seeing how I have the fastest access available via cable (6mbps), it's quite good for them to comply

I'm scarcely home to use it so it really doesn't matter how much bandwidth they use...