New Orlean's Free Wireless System

[genebujold]

Interesting: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051129/ap_on_hi_te/wireless_new_orleans

I wonder how long the equipment will remain in place atop the light posts...

[aurora]

I'm aware of a number of US cities and towns that already have free wireless internet over a large area of the town.

Generally, there is a big fight in the town council first, where the cell phone and pay internet providers argue against the idea.

[LurchGS]

Denver has large stretches covered by a similar system - Ricochet Networks. Given the speed announced here, it may well be the same technology - even teh same company.

Of course, Sprint is introducing their wide-area wireless internet too - over cell phone circuits.

Given the limited bandwidth available in any broadcast system, most ISPs and telephone companies I know of are not too worried. It's fine for people who travel a LOT, but most people are interested in faster speeds and lower bills.