Hello Everyone!
I know I am late to this party but I could not really get involved while it was hot because of time issues at the time. I would just like to add the following to the discussion.
I do not think WiFi ISPs should be concerned about municipal ISPs because of the issue of "added value". I use the free 'land line" dial-up ISP in New York City "MetConnect" as a back up when my DSL line is acting up. Otherwise I use my paid DSL [which I feel I pay too much for (yes I feel $34.00/mo {soon to be $37.00} is too much - Verizon)]. It is faster and I can get what I need to get or look at what I want to look at quicker with DSL. I can definitely "stream" better with it. I hope to live to see the day when basic DSL will be provided at less than $10.00/month.
Underserved areas need WiFi, more so for the youth in the community than the adults although both need different forms of Internet access to enable them to become more computer and web savvy. Some people may feel that because Underserved areas are also usually poor areas they should not be exposed to different service options. It would be OK to many of those with that opinion that the poor (usually blacks and latinos in New York City) always stay a few steps behind everyone else when it comes to technology or anything else as far as that matters. Most in those communities did not even have a computer at home until recently when the prices truly became reasonable [Less than $300-$500 (including the monitor)]. All should remember that most of the poor pay taxes too and the option of Public WiFi may be something they want.
Hopefully, public WiFi will come through. I believe citizens will accept for citywide access and the cost (free):
* Slower Speeds * More inadvertent disconnects * Limit to access length of time per day, per week or per month.
There needs to be more light on this issue of Public WiFi. I have not been on the list for a long time and therefore may have missed any previous extensive discussion on this issue so please forgive me for any ignorance I display on this issue.
BTW, can someone
1. Point me to the web address for the Philadelphia Public WiFi
business plan, so I can DL it and read it?
2. Point me to the web address for the NYC Public WiFi business plan
(if any), so I can DL it and read it?
3. Point me to the NYC government committee that regulates WiFi for NYC?
4. Indicate where government hearings are posted about WiFi in NYC?Just my thoughts for now . Thanks in advance to any and all responses to my questions.
JJ -- NYCwireless - http://www.nycwireless.net/ Un/Subscribe: http://lists.nycwireless.net/mailman/listinfo/nycwireless/ Archives: http://lists.nycwireless.net/pipermail/nycwireless/
