There’s an interesting experiment in wireless data unfolding in Philadelphia; the city plans to deploy an 802.11b mesh network across its entire area and will use it to provide at least some level of ‘Net access for free. City officials expect to present firmer plans for the project by the end of November. At this point they are aiming to begin installing access points in February. They estimate it will cost between US$7M and $10M to completely blanket the outdoor areas of the city, and that it will take about a year to install the network.
The mayor and the city’s CIO have said that their plan is to make basic Net access available for free to residents and visitors alike to make sure that broadband access is available to everyone, everywhere within the city boundaries. On one hand Wireless Philadelphia is a marvelous initiative which could provide many benefits with little downside; on the other hand, companies who currently sell wireless data services, as well as those who provide wired broadband services, might find it awkward at best to compete with a government-run, free service. Stay tuned.
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