NYC: Leverage Fiber, Offer Free Wi-Fi

gpmap writes "A new study from the New York City Council is recommending that the Big Apple throw open the competitive bidding process for its annual $130 million phone and Internet bill in order to leverage one of the most expansive -- and underused -- fiber optic networks in the country. In so doing, New York City could not only cut its annual telecom bill, but would also be in a position to deploy wireless networking links as the "last mile" connecting metropolitan area networks, or MANs. In addition, it suggested using the fiber to deploy free Internet access with a Wi-Fi Network in Brooklyn's Prospect Park."

Comments

How does one police anonymous access?

[Anonymous Coward]

Let's say free access happens. What happens when people start using it (in mass) to conduct fraud, send death threats to the President, start a boutique email spam business, etc.

Re:How does one police anonymous access?

[terraformer]

You can't. It is a twist on the tragedy of the commons and it will likely never happen. There is no reason why some form of municipal access system couldn't happen though. /. has done some recent articles on them.