I think if you analyse this story more carefully, the UN is interested in the use of license exempt spectrum at 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz for third world applications, rather than 'Wi-Fi' technology..aka 802.11b/a/g.
It is common for the press to automatically relate 'wi-fi' to the license exempt spectrum, even in last mile scenarios, when in reality other proprietary technologies are used more successfully.
Although 'Wi-Fi' is currently being used for last mile applications , it is really designed for the last 100 feet. Vendors such as Alvarion(802.11, FHSS), Proxim, Raylink, Karlnet, Motorola, Aperto, etc, are the companies being widely used for last mile use. They are specifically designed for the task.
Hence the emergence of WIMAX (http://www.wimaxforum.org) as a standard for last mile applications. This standard is being supported by Intel and Atheros, 2 chipmakers, who will rapidly bring down the cost of last mile kit...ideal for third world usage and elsewhere.
Slashdot Mirror
I think if you analyse this story more carefully, the UN is interested in the use of license exempt spectrum at 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz for third world applications, rather than 'Wi-Fi' technology..aka 802.11b/a/g.
It is common for the press to automatically relate 'wi-fi' to the license exempt spectrum, even in last mile scenarios, when in reality other proprietary technologies are used more successfully.
Although 'Wi-Fi' is currently being used for last mile applications , it is really designed for the last 100 feet.
Vendors such as Alvarion(802.11, FHSS), Proxim, Raylink, Karlnet, Motorola, Aperto, etc, are the companies being widely used for last mile use. They are specifically designed for the task.
Hence the emergence of WIMAX (http://www.wimaxforum.org) as a standard for last mile applications. This standard is being supported by Intel and Atheros, 2 chipmakers, who will rapidly bring down the cost of last mile kit...ideal for third world usage and elsewhere.
Brian