This would essentially be a wireless infrastructure system 
for the city's networking purposes, with the added 'bonus' 
of wireless internet access to those who fall within the 
zone of wireless coverage.  The assumption now--based on 
what the vendors are saying to the city, I take it--is that 
there will be a charge for the service to regular joes.  The 
motivation is appparently--and many cities are trying for 
this--to be the 'first' wireless city in the nation.

It raises issues as to how 'free' internet access should be 
if supplied by the government or a government approved 
vendor.  The best way to think about it is to compare how 
cable television monopolies are created through cable 
franchise fees.  In return for the cable company providing 
the infrastructure in the city, the company receives 
regulated revenues that are generated from end users.  Same 
goes for this apparent wireless initiative.  But, there are 
also public access and community input issues that go with 
cable TV and so should there be with wireless internet.

Once a deal is cut with the vendor, there's little room to 
negotiate any free or reduced fee services for the public 
(or, for that matter, funds for WUGs in the city).  Thus, if 
folks want wireless ISP access available to them for free or 
for substantially reduced cost, this is the time to pressure 
the city to take that into account.

Gregory Luce

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