Other than a hunch, how has demand for this service been assessed? New Hope based Vicom chooses to not compete with DSL and Cable Internet service and restricts its implementation of wi-fi to the outskirts where physical infrastructure is unavailable. Perhaps they have determined that the growing population of users of extremely reliable Internet service (I would not characterize WiFi in this manner) who already pay $50/month would not be interested in further luxury fees.
Let's say that is not the case and that there is demand and money to be made in a metro wireless network. Will the city be competing with private business ventures that seek to undertake this effort? Will the city be competing with existing broadband services? Are you aware that the only cheap wireless equipment is in the increasingly crowded public spectrum? Are you familiar with parasitic wireless networking that could further reduce demand? Just a few thoughts off the top of my head... It sounds 'cool'. Who is going to use it and for what??! Regards, Jason Stone | Hale --- John Erwin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello Folks, > > Just wanted to let you know that I initiated a process where the > Minneapolis Park System would start exploring providing WI-FI internet > access to Minneapolis citizens through the park system. The Park Board > approved my motion to initiate exploring providing WI-FI through > recreation centers with a unanimous vote. Annie Young has also been > particularly supportive of this effort. > > A few things came together at once that spurred this on: 1) I remember > Phyllis Kahn suggesting such an idea awhile ago, 2) my new portable > computer and many other new ones are now sold 'wireless ready' (times > have clearly changed), and 3) routers now have a distance of 3.5 > kilometers. The increase in router range now allows complete coverage > of Minneapolis from Park Recreation Centers (Minneapolis has 49 > recreation centers). Minneapolis is unique in that it has a grid of > recreation centers all with active web capabilities. We also recognize > that there will likely be some cost for this service to users. I > envision interested Minneapolis residents purchasing an annual password > that would enable internet access at their local recreation center for a > nominal fee. > > Clearly, other organizations should and would be part of this. For > instance, the School Board, I imagine, would be interested. In > addition, the mayor has clearly identified an interest in this for some > time and is also exploring this area. Lastly, the Green Institute may > have an interest in participating. However, the Park Board already has > the physical infrastructure to mount the routers on. > > My hope is that such an effort would make web access more affordable and > accessible in Minneapolis while decreasing some infrastructure costs in > city/park/school government facilities. Thus, the average citizen with > other forms of internet access would likely save money. Lastly, we > would have access anywhere, backyard, cars, parks, etc. > > There is some precedent for this. Paris just initiated WI-FI service > about 3-4 weeks ago. Also, it is my understanding that Buffalo, > Minnesota and Chaska, Minnesota both are initiating such a service as > well. > > Let me know your thoughts/concerns/ideas! ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). > > Sincerely, > John Erwin > Commissioner At-Large > Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board > > > TEMPORARY REMINDER: > 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. > 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject > (Mpls-specific, of course.) > > ________________________________ > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
