[CAnet - news] Over 320 cities building WiFi networks

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 [Some excerpts from Network World -- BSA]

http://www.networkworld.com/research/2006/030606-municipal-wi-fi.html?rlt=03
06lan1&code=nllan25690

Building boom for Wi-Fi networks

This ripple in the pond of municipal infrastructure advancements quickly
became a tsunami. By the middle of last year, MuniWireless.com noted that it
was "raining RFPs," and The Yankee Group analyst Lindsay Schroth estimates
there are some 320 U.S. municipalities that have or are planning to cover
themselves with broadband wireless networks.

    * The Yankee Group forecasts worldwide capital investment in municipal
wireless broadband networks will reach $400 million in 2007, up from a
forecasted $170.94 million this year.

The best approach depends on local circumstances, but Schroth sees some kind
of public/private partnership as "an absolute must. Government doesn't have
the capability to build, market and deliver innovative services. A better
approach is for a service provider to build a wholesale network with a city
as its anchor tenant," she says.

The plan has competing wireless ISPs (WISP) joining city-owned Wireless
Philadelphia as EarthLink tenants, with WP getting a percentage of the fees.
Philadelphia also expects annual savings of about $2 million from replacing
dial-up access and T-1 links used by field crews and remote facilities.   

South Sioux City also plans to test fiber to the home, but broadband
wireless "is clearly the cost-effective last-mile choice right now, and it
also provides a huge amount of flexibility for applications," says Lance
Martin, communications coordinator for South Sioux City.   

Initial municipal applications include public safety, automated utility
meter reading and inspection services.

High-speed mobile access also is streamlining building inspection services.
Philadelphia CIO Dianah Neff reckons it can save her city about two hours
per day, per inspector, which will clear permits faster.


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