City Wide WiFi

My mother is looking forward with great anticipation to the WiFi projected being completed in Minneapolis. She is in the section of Northeast which will be completed last- according to the city's website, sometime during the last weeks of December. I think it is a great thing to provide wireless to a community- the going rate will be much lower than that of Comcast's or Qwest's, thus creating some competion in that area.

I read an article on msn.com's tech section talking about how Minneapolis' wireless network was first intended to be used for public safety and to connect city agencies. However, after the 35W bridge collapsed, the city learned how the network can be utilized during an emergency. They opened up the network to all users, allowing those with dual mode WiFi phones to connect with people without adding to the already strained cellular networks. In the days and weeks that followed, the Wi-Fi network was also instrumental in rescue and recovery efforts around the disaster site.

Many cities are reluctant to spend the money on creating a wireless network for their residents, but after a disaster such as the one last August perhaps they will reconsider, recognize the value, and make wireless internet available for all.