ISPs Losing Interest In Citywide Wireless Coverage

The New York Times is running a story about how hope is fading for the implementation of municipal wireless access in cities across the US. Major cities and small towns alike are finding that ISPs are withdrawing from such plans due to the low profitability of ventures that are similar to Philadelphia's incomplete network. We've previously discussed Chicago's and San Francisco's wireless status, and also some of the stumbling blocks other cities have faced. From the Times: "In Tempe, Ariz., and Portland, Ore., for example, hundreds of subscribers have found themselves suddenly without service as providers have cut their losses and either abandoned their networks or stopped expanding capacity. EarthLink announced on Feb. 7 that 'the operations of the municipal Wi-Fi assets were no longer consistent with the company's strategic direction.' Philadelphia officials say they are not sure when or if the promised network will now be completed."

Comments

AT&T to the rescue? No way.

[inTheLoo]

Why do people think that hotspots will die because of increased cell phone coverage? Does anyone really think that the winners of the most expensive spectrum fraud ever want to do more than charge you every nickel and dime they can per byte? I don't and as long as the same players are not allowed to dominate the wired network, hotspots will be a cheaper and more convenient way to get on line when you travel.

The FCC is no longer needed, only open spectrum will give you the service you want.