Brian McConnell, at GigOm, has an interesting take on How to Fix Muni Wi-Fi:
While the goal of providing free access to citizens is a noble one, muni W-Fi proponents have misunderstood how the Internet is used in public spaces, primarily by assuming that people who can afford laptops are somehow unable to afford Internet access.Perhaps a better solution is to update the concept of lifeline coverage to make it universal and automatic. What might this wireless “lifeline” service look like?
- 24×7 access to emergency and social services (911, 311, local agencies)
- 15 minutes per day of voice calls
- Basic data service, downgraded when the network is in demand from paying users
- Ability to upgrade to paid plans
- Paid plans that go delinquent or to zero balance are automatically downgraded to “lifeline” phones with limited service
- Ability to re-use second-hand phones
In exchange for supporting the concept of universal service, the mobile operators would receive permission to build more cell towers, tax credits and other incentives to add incremental capacity.
Or the FCC could make 2155-2180 MHz truly free — like WiFi. That band could be dedicated to free municipal wireless using a simple permitting process — like 3650 MHz.
The FCC gets in trouble when it balances the public good vrs what’s good for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Serving the public interest first, serves business and enhances global competitiveness.
Look at Taiwan.
