Cometa WiFi Hotspot Network To Shut Down

Glenn Fleishman writes "The folks who announced in Dec. 2002 that they would install 20,000 for-fee Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. within two years ago reached several hundred locations in 18 months before shutting down today. Cometa Networks was funded partly by Intel Capital, and had AT&T and IBM's involvement in building the network. The firm resold access to its network, and urged partners to charge low rates, like $3 to $5 per day or $12 per month for unlimited access. Cometa lost its best chance for a big network last month, when McDonald's picked Wayport to build out over 12,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in the U.S." There's now an official press release up, with the CEO noting: "We do not think this reflects on the strength of the Wi-Fi industry or value proposition."

Comments

Re:IT SAYS FEE -- NOT FREE!!!

[DustMagnet]

I'm not sure I know the difference. Could you tell me if I'm right. I think the difference between free and fee is it an r. Of course the blurb actually lists prices, so saying free and fee looks similar isn't a valid excuse.

I'm glad to see someone else lost it on this thread. I lost it when I hit the two minite limit for the third time. While waiting I added swearing to my comment thinking it would fail again. It didn't fail. I'm calmer now, but I'm not proud of using the f-word here. (for the record, it's different AC comment, only the editors can track it to me, I hope.)

Everything in the Slashdot comment section happens too fast. Posting early is the best way to get modded up. Using mod points early is the best way to have an effect. This leads to everyone rushing and being really stupid. If I want to write a long well written comment, no one will notice it. Bonus points don't help, because most people use every bonus they have with every post. I don't have a solution or I'd start my own Slashdot.