more on New life for Philly WiFi

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
Date: November 30, 2004 10:56:30 PM EST
To: Dewayne-Net Technology List <dewayne-net () warpspeed com>
Subject: [Dewayne-Net] New life for Philly WiFi
Reply-To: dewayne () warpspeed com

New life for Philly WiFi
November 30, 2004, 4:44 PM PST
<http://news.com.com/New+life+for+Philly+WiFi/2061-1034_3-5471842.html? 
part=rss&tag=5471842&subj=news.1034.5>

Verizon Communications today said Philadelphia has the "unimpeded  
right" to build its own WiFi network despite recent legislation barring  
cities from taking broadband deployment into their own hands. The  
agreement's details were not disclosed, nor did either party discuss  
the matter further.

In reporting this story, it seems both sides are playing up their  
respective smoke and mirror games. Munis are selling their broadband  
plans as great public works that will make everyone Internet savvy and  
create new wealth for their communities. The Bells and cable claim they  
are doing the public a service by stretching their copper highways to  
the doorsteps of the unruly masses.

The fact is that the munis have yet to prove they can do it themselves.  
Some projects are bleeding red despite assurances that they will reach  
break-even within a decade. Let's give the cities a chance to prove  
themselves. Maybe the Internet really can become just another utility  
bill.



--Jim Hu

Archives at: <http://Wireless.Com/Dewayne-Net>
Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>

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