Not so Fast, Mr. Mayor
There is a continuing string of pull backs in cities as plans to roll-out urban wireless networks lose momentum. The current research is scanty, but anecdotal evidence is showing more disappointments - Click here for the San Francisco story.
Houston has stopped for now, ditto Philadelphia. Earthlink seems to be the weak link in several of these. Finding the money seems murkier these days. How is the provider getting paid? From the city? From ads? The last one was Google’s ticket to the money in San Francisco, but it looks less likely at the moment. A wireless network is a logical idea for any urban area. Hype has gotten ahead of reality in a lot of places though. We need more research on this one. Ask a lot more questions about the business plan before you head out to the press conference, Mr. Mayor.

