A number of municipalities across the nation, including San Diego, are being romanced by a number of companies who are willing to build a wireless network for residents and businesses. MetroFi, who is already providing free wireless networks in Portland, Oregon and Aurora, Illinois, among others, offers access with the network being paid for by advertising and sponsorships. If users don't wish to view the ads, they can opt for a paid service.
However, some city governments are not too sure about giving companies like MetroFi access to public infrastructure such as light and utility poles. But, let's face it, many of these same local officials don't have any other alternative, and the public is increasingly demanding the right to free (or paid) and unfettered access to the internet from just about anywhere in their community.
Let's hope that in this new year, local governments will do their due diligence and offer their citizens real choices in broadband internet access.
1. new blog about privacy in the Internet
http://privacy.emigrantas.com
enjoy it
Posted at 6:15AM on Jan 2nd 2007 by Darius