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TechnologyDaily Mobile
Cities Explore Wireless Possibilities
by Chloe Albanesius
In the wake of Philadelphia's decision to build its own wireless network, cities large and small have explored similar projects to boost competition and tourism.
The Philadelphia project spurred a law requiring Pennsylvania cities to establish their own networks by Dec. 31. After that deadline has passed, they must get permission from the region's dominant provider before proceeding.
A state legislative panel heard testimony last month on the possibility of extending that deadline, but no further action has been announced. Towns like Wilkes-Barre are forging ahead with independent projects. The city has partnered with Kings College, Wilkes University and Luzerne County to provide a network that officials say eventually will include security cameras on campus and in flood-prone areas.
Local provider PenTeleData announced plans to create two Wi-Fi hotspots that would cover Kings College, Wilkes University and off-campus housing. The company already provides service to the town's public square and Kirby Park, but Dan Ellis, chief technical officer, told the Times-Leader that the company sees little need for Wi-Fi throughout the entire region.
Small-Town America Goes Mobile
In Texas, city council members in Farmers Branch on Monday will consider a plan to grant provider MobilePro/NeoReach access to city property to provide a Wi-Fi network. The city would get 500 free accounts and basic residential service would run about $20 per month.
Maryland-based MobilePro is behind the network current being installed in Tempe, Ariz. The system, which will include 400 antenna and radio units on streetlights and buildings, officially was launched Nov. 28 and is expected to be complete by February.
The 40-square-mile setup is using wireless technology from California-based Strix Systems and was deployed by telecom company MobilePro. Nan Chen, Strix vice president of marketing, said the system is "the first and largest of its kind to demonstrate not only the ability to provide data services to users, but advanced voice and video applications as well."
In addition to enabling businesses and residents to connect anywhere in the city, police cruisers and fire trucks will be equipped with wireless enabled laptops in order to stay connected.
MobilePro also has applied for a licensing agreement with the nearby city of Chandler, an issue the city council is expected to take up in the two months. Deployment for that initiative likely will take a little over a year.
Meanwhile, the city of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio this month selected the company's NeoReach Wireless subsidiary to provide city-wide wireless. If approved by the city council, the pilot network would cover sections of downtown, the conference center and city hall before expanding to encompass the entire, 28 square mile city limits. NeoReach also is deploying a system in Akron, Ohio.
In Virginia, a plan to wire sections of colonial Williamsburg has been delayed until January. Free service in Merchants Square and on Prince George Street was set to begin on Dec. 1, but officials were concerned about possible disruptions during the holiday season.
And in neighboring Maryland, Calvert County is building a wireless network to connect government buildings, libraries, schools and the sheriff's office. About a third of the $1.5 million plan will be covered by a federal grant to the sheriff's office.
Officials seek to have the system working by January. County systems currently rely on a patchwork of connections like the courthouse's fiber network and dial-up connections.
Major Cities Cut The Cord
Cities on par with Philadelphia also have explored wireless initiatives. San Francisco garnered its share of media attention when it announced plans for city-wide access. The project has drawn bids from companies like Cingular Wireless, the former SBC Communications and online search engine company Google.
In the Midwest, the Milwaukee Wireless Initiative will provide Internet access to the more than half-million residents of the lakeside Wisconsin city.
Local provider Midwest Fiber Networks contacted the city with a plan to partner with other companies to build and fund the Wi-Fi network, according to Mayor Tom Barrett. "It will create tremendous growth for a locally owned company and will open the door to new jobs, job training, and other social and educational opportunities," he said.
Officials are working on a "facilities use and license agreement," said Randy Gschwind, Milwaukee's chief information officer. But in terms of a timeline, officials are "fast-tracking it," Gschwind said. The city council last month voted to allow officials to begin negotiations with Midwest Fiber. Council members approved the plan 14-1, with Alderman Michael McGee casting the dissenting vote. He called on the city to solicit more bids for the project.
The effort could include a price tag of up to $20 million, but nothing has been finalized. To recoup the costs, residents who wish to use the service likely will be charged about $20 per month, with a $10 low-income option.
Kansas City CIO Gail Roper also has spoken with the city council in Missouri about a city-wide wireless network, but nothing definite has been decided.
Boston also is keeping a close watch on wireless technology. Earlier this year, officials held a wireless summit in Massachusetts to explore the option of a wireless Boston. Public libraries currently have free access, and Mayor Thomas Menino said much of Boston is already served by open-access networks thanks to services offered by schools, hospitals, municipal offices and other institutions.
Attendees decided that helping underserved areas, managing interference from overlapping signals and not infringing on local providers' business would be the city's main concerns if an initiative were to get off the ground.
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