Comments on: The citywide Wi-Fi reality check

Wireless technology tempts cities that want to offer low-cost broadband to residents, but operating a network is no walk in the park.

Disclosure

In the interests of disclosure, it should be noted that Schremp's consulting clients include incumbents such as Verizon and Comcast

[rshimizu12]

Free access vs paid

The telco's and ISP's do have a legitimate complaint if the goverments are playing a active role in providing a paid wifi service.

On the otherhand I don't have a problem with providing free access. One way to offset the costs would be to allow organizations such as socalfreenet to put up wireless access points on government property. This a good solutions local government owns a lot of property and has existing fiber as well.

reality check

Reality check, indeed.

The technological problems involved in making Philly a wireless city are, I am certain, totally beside the point.

I have lived in Philly since 1974 -- I sincerely believe that the scheme is merely a way for city council to scare Comcast (the city's cable provider) and local telecommunications providers into paying serious money to make the wireless proposal go away.

Some twenty years ago, the City government took forever to decide on what company would be the city's cable TV provider. Comcast finally won out and went on to become HUGE. Many in city and state government profitted HUGELY from stock that was liberally strewn around Council, the mayor's office and Harrisburg by Comcast in its bid for the monopoly.

That was 20 years ago -- it's been a while, and the local pols smell the possibility of another HUGE payday. Believe me, Philly city council is not a a hotbed of technological visionaries. I suspect the extent of most members' interest in hardware begins and ends with Rolex watches.

[Michael Grogan]

What reality check?

While there are certainly pros and cons to municipal run wi-fi systems tech problems are not one of them. If cable companies and other comm companies can hire the expertise and find the solutions so can municipalities. Anybody, including governments, can hire all the experts they need and to imply otherwise is simply shilling for the corporations.

[George Cole]

systems tech problems

http://www.analogstereo.com/eagle_summit_owners_manual.htm

[bigbear639]

The same City is Closibg Firehouses

This is the same City that is closing Firehouses and laying off Police Officers, but we can afford to go WiFi. The same City where Millions of Dollars are owed to the Municipally owned Gas Works and Water Department, that they can't collect. The same City where the Mayor and his State Rep. Brother never paid their own Gas Bill. The same City in which those who never pay their Utility Bill, but have Computers will now be able to get it Free, because this same City will be unable to collect from them.

[DeusExMachina]

Your point being?

What is your point, exactly?

[frnkblk]

Technical accuracy, please

I believe Ms. Reardon is referring to 2.4 GHz, not MHz, and I know of no commercial garage door openers that use the 2.4 GHz frequency.

Frank