I would think that high-use internet users will still prefer other services.
Businesses aren’t going to rely on the public network, obviously.
The phone companies are still going to be able to provide DSL to residents and the cable companies will have their infrastructure in place to provide their form of service for those dissatisfied.
Other city wide wireless systems were limited to 256K.
I think it will dry up dialup networking but dialup sucks sobeit.
If I were there I think I’d continue my personal DSL service. However I think I’d like it that anywhere I went in the city I’d have coverage.
The Whistler - 07:05am on 05/13/2006
The problem with the cable company is that local governments (used to ) give cable companies monopolies in "their" cities.
Now with satellite there is a choice.
The Whistler - 08:05am on 05/13/2006
Rob,
Your looking at this all wrong.
If everyone in a city were to have access to WiFi infrastructure, then we are that much closer to being able to scrap the current education system and have direct-to-home schooling.
Plus, look at all the added potential readers you will have!
FreeRepublicans.com - 11:05am on 05/13/2006
Hey Rob,
I should’ve been clearer, I’m sorry. The way I understand it, Earthlink is creating the citywide structure itself, so it’s not costing the taxpayers much if anything. Additionally, access to wireless internet in Philadelphia will only be free in some locations, not to the entire city as a kind of subsidized utility, though I tend to view it as a kind of "utility" since it’s government sponsored.
For the majority of users, Earthlink will be providing low-cost broadband wifi. The thinking is that low-income households who wouldn’t have been able to afford a $50 monthly bill from Comcast now at least have the option for $10-20 monthly wi-fi service from Earthlink.
Comcast, the nation’s largest internet provider, is actually headquartered in Philadelphia. They’re building what will be the city’s tallest skyscraper, too, the Comcast Center, of which they’ll occupy a little more than 50 percent.
I should’ve put all this in the original post.
Tom Shakely - 01:05pm on 05/13/2006
The government has no business supplying internet to the entire city. This opens up Pandora’s Box. If they pay for it, even though it is taxpayer money, they will believe they can regulate it, and that is something that everyone should fear. Nothing good can come of this.
I would think that high-use internet users will still prefer other services.
Businesses aren’t going to rely on the public network, obviously.
The phone companies are still going to be able to provide DSL to residents and the cable companies will have their infrastructure in place to provide their form of service for those dissatisfied.
Other city wide wireless systems were limited to 256K.
I think it will dry up dialup networking but dialup sucks sobeit.
If I were there I think I’d continue my personal DSL service. However I think I’d like it that anywhere I went in the city I’d have coverage.
The problem with the cable company is that local governments (used to ) give cable companies monopolies in "their" cities.
Now with satellite there is a choice.
Rob,
Your looking at this all wrong.
If everyone in a city were to have access to WiFi infrastructure, then we are that much closer to being able to scrap the current education system and have direct-to-home schooling.
Plus, look at all the added potential readers you will have!
Hey Rob,
I should’ve been clearer, I’m sorry. The way I understand it, Earthlink is creating the citywide structure itself, so it’s not costing the taxpayers much if anything. Additionally, access to wireless internet in Philadelphia will only be free in some locations, not to the entire city as a kind of subsidized utility, though I tend to view it as a kind of "utility" since it’s government sponsored.
For the majority of users, Earthlink will be providing low-cost broadband wifi. The thinking is that low-income households who wouldn’t have been able to afford a $50 monthly bill from Comcast now at least have the option for $10-20 monthly wi-fi service from Earthlink.
Comcast, the nation’s largest internet provider, is actually headquartered in Philadelphia. They’re building what will be the city’s tallest skyscraper, too, the Comcast Center, of which they’ll occupy a little more than 50 percent.
I should’ve put all this in the original post.
The government has no business supplying internet to the entire city. This opens up Pandora’s Box. If they pay for it, even though it is taxpayer money, they will believe they can regulate it, and that is something that everyone should fear. Nothing good can come of this.