Actually, I think you are both comparing apples to oranges. Ricochet was a mobile service, and as such, required them to pre-build a large network coverage area before they could even offer the service. Additionally, as an expensive mobile service it was obviously aimed at the business traveller -- and to me, it seems like they underestimated the difficulty of computing while driving.
----------------------------> Joe
At 12:00 PM -0500 12/10/03, Michael Stearne wrote:
On Dec 10, 2003, at 11:47 AM, Jacob Farkas wrote:
Ricochet's failure demonstrates why it can be easier, faster, and more effective to have grassroots community networks blanket the city with ubiquitous wireless Internet access in NYC, LONG TERM. And free, of course.
What contributed to their downfall, may have been any combination of the following:
1. Investment in proprietary, licensed slice of spectrum. 2. Lease, or purchase of space rights for equipment. 3. Monthly service charges that cost more than a typical ADSL line ($75) with speeds hovering between 128-200 kbps. 4. Equipment for end-user was quite pricey, between $200-$300. 5. Administrative costs associated with accounts, management, billing, tech support. 6. Marketing costs.
The NYCwireless model: Unlicensed 802.11b, equipment placed with owners consent and encouragement for free, Free usage, no administrative overhead, word of mouth and plentiful press coverage.
While we may not enjoy the citywide coverage offered by Ricochet, YET, we should see growth in numbers of public nodes, shared with intent.
But at the same time the pricey reasons you gave above are because they were trying to be ahead of the curve. 802.11b wasn't there like it is today. I'm sure if they, like pay services today, had access to 802.11b they would've used that.
Michael
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