municipal wireless

Muni-Wireless Not Dead Yet

Bernie — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:57:47 -0500

Municipal wireless networks were all the rage a couple years ago. Municipalities were encouraged to take broadband matters into their own hands and build and operate broadband wireless networks to help conquer the digital divide. Cities and towns, big and small, jumped in head first. Philadelphia and San Francisco led the way and hooked up with the likes of Earthlink and Google to showcase the model. Municipals were sold on the idea that these networks could be self sustaining, and even offer free access to citizens who couldn’t afford broadband otherwise. Reality soon set in, and the muni-wireless business model (if you want to call it that) crumbled. Earthlink exited the business entirely, and even paid some municipal partners millions to do so. MetroFi, a company built on the whole muni-wireless hype folded. Wi-Fi was questioned as being a suitable technology for these plans and broadband competitors were not thrilled at the prospect of governments as competitors. The concept spawned a lawsuit or two.

But is muni-wireless officially dead? Ars Technica looks into the possible rise from the ashes for muni-wireless, offering great insight into its current state. In fact, it may not be dead, but is certainly changed. Gone are the grandiose plans of the early days, replaced with more realistic goals. Networks are smaller and have more focused objectives. New vendors who offer “$10,000 mesh networks in a box” are bringing life to scaled down versions of earlier hype. What emerges may bring some clarity and long term stability to the muni-wireless concept.

South Carolina Investigates Statewide Wireless

Bernie — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:13:33 -0400

South Carolina is studying a statewide wireless program which would utilize 700 Mhz spectrum. Unlike muni wireless programs that are quickly falling out of favor, South Carolina’s plan offers some distinct differences. First and foremost, unlike muni wireless projects that often utilize unstable and spotty Wi-Fi technology, South Carolina is eyeing state owned “beachfront” 700 Mhz spectrum. The spectrum will come from the state's public broadcasting network, ETV. Secondly, they are considering leasing the spectrum to the private sector, as opposed to partnering with a single provider. In other words, South Carolina is saying the state will own the spectrum, but make it available to appropriate carriers or other entities, who will in turn market wireless broadband throughout the state.

It’s an interesting approach – one that could potentially provide wireless broadband in territories that currently lack it, and perhaps foster competition throughout the entire state. Many details of this proposal have yet to be determined. There will certainly be controversial issues, with passionate arguments for and against a potential plan. But it’s an intriguing proposal – one that should be studied and possibly incubated.

Check out the details in this Greenville Online story.

Municipal Wi-Fi’s Loss May Be WiMAX’s Gain

Bernie — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:40:52 -0400

The news on municipal Wi-Fi is not encouraging. Several communities have recently pulled the plug on launching Wi-Fi, with Chicago being the most prominent. Word is that the citwide Wi-Fi efforts in San Francisco and Houston are in trouble as well. There are a few success stories. Corpus Christi, TX apparently has a successful model, and there are certainly others. Nevertheless, big challenges remain for large scale muni Wi-Fi projects. These challenges are hitting Earthlink hard. They’ve recently announced a restructuring, resulting in the loss of 900 jobs. Earthlink viewed municipal Wi-Fi as a growth engine for them – one they hoped would help replace their rapidly declining dial-up business. Unfortunately for Earthlink and other muni Wi-Fi proponents, the news doesn’t appear to be getting any better. The rise of WiMAX may prove to put muni Wi-Fi to bed for good.

Citywide Wireless Not Just For The Big Boys – Frontier Gets Into The Action

Bernie — Fri, 11 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

What has been traditionally reserved for larger players, including Earthlink and Google, is increasingly being embraced by smaller service providers. Frontier is the latest example of an independent telco building a municipal wireless service. This example will take place in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where Frontier will build a city-wide wireless network.

Get the details from this Citizensvoice.com post.

AT&T and Earthlink in Competitive Battle for Windy City’s Airwaves

Bernie — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400

AT&T and Earthlink are battling it out for the right to build a citywide Wi-Fi network in Chicago. Following San Francisco, Philadelphia, and other cities lead, Chicago is studying the benefits of a municipal broadband wireless network. Adding to this Chicago drama is the presence of Sprint Nextel with their announced intention of launching WiMAX in the near future. Is there enough broadband demand for multiple wireless networks (not to mention mobile wireless broadband options like EV-DO and Edge provided by other carriers)? Chicago will be an early indicator.

The Chicago Tribune offers great insight into these developments.