Um, they want passwords and a nominal fee. If so, could there be a conflict with the free TCWUG project over turf at Loring Park? Mike Ellsworth StratVantage Consulting, LLC Helping Successful Companies Make Winning Technology Decisions 8273 Westwood Hills Curve St. Louis Park, MN 55426 952-525-1584 mellsworth at stratvantage.com www.StratVantage.com www.TheWiFiGuys.com They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Ben Franklin, ~1784 -----Original Message----- From: tcwug-list-admin at tcwug.org [mailto:tcwug-list-admin at tcwug.org]On Behalf Of Neal Krasnoff Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 11:04 AM To: TCWUG Cc: TC UNWIRED Subject: [TCWUG] Minneapolis e-democracy postings From the mpls list, and my response and invitation: From: "John Erwin" <erwin001 at umn.edu> Date: Fri Aug 22, 2003 9:14:54 AM US/Central To: <mpls at mnforum.org> Subject: [Mpls] RE: WI-FI through the Parks Hello Folks, Just wanted to let you know that I initiated a process where the Minneapolis Park System would start exploring providing WI-FI internet access to Minneapolis citizens through the park system. The Park Board approved my motion to initiate exploring providing WI-FI through recreation centers with a unanimous vote. Annie Young has also been particularly supportive of this effort. A few things came together at once that spurred this on: 1) I remember Phyllis Kahn suggesting such an idea awhile ago, 2) my new portable computer and many other new ones are now sold 'wireless ready' (times have clearly changed), and 3) routers now have a distance of 3.5 kilometers. The increase in router range now allows complete coverage of Minneapolis from Park Recreation Centers (Minneapolis has 49 recreation centers). Minneapolis is unique in that it has a grid of recreation centers all with active web capabilities. We also recognize that there will likely be some cost for this service to users. I envision interested Minneapolis residents purchasing an annual password that would enable internet access at their local recreation center for a nominal fee. Clearly, other organizations should and would be part of this. For instance, the School Board, I imagine, would be interested. In addition, the mayor has clearly identified an interest in this for some time and is also exploring this area. Lastly, the Green Institute may have an interest in participating. However, the Park Board already has the physical infrastructure to mount the routers on. My hope is that such an effort would make web access more affordable and accessible in Minneapolis while decreasing some infrastructure costs in city/park/school government facilities. Thus, the average citizen with other forms of internet access would likely save money. Lastly, we would have access anywhere, backyard, cars, parks, etc. There is some precedent for this. Paris just initiated WI-FI service about 3-4 weeks ago. Also, it is my understanding that Buffalo, Minnesota and Chaska, Minnesota both are initiating such a service as well. Let me know your thoughts/concerns/ideas! (erwin001 at umn.edu). Sincerely, John Erwin Commissioner At-Large Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ------From: "N.I. Krasnov" <nkras at visi.com> Date: Fri Aug 22, 2003 6:06:06 PM US/Central To: John Erwin <erwin001 at umn.edu>, <mpls at mnforum.org> Subject: Re: [Mpls] RE: WI-FI through the Parks on 8/22/03 9:14 AM, John Erwin at erwin001 at umn.edu wrote: > Hello Folks, > > Just wanted to let you know that I initiated a process where the > Minneapolis Park System would start exploring providing WI-FI internet > access to Minneapolis citizens through the park system. The Park Board > approved my motion to initiate exploring providing WI-FI through > recreation centers with a unanimous vote. Annie Young has also been > particularly supportive of this effort. We're already working on the Loring Park Project ;-) http://www.tcwug.org Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 9th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm Dunn Bros: upstairs at the conference table. 201 3rd Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55401 N.I. Krasnov Loring Park _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Wireless Users Group Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota http://www.tcwug.org tcwug-list at tcwug.org https://mailman.real-time.com/mailman/listinfo/tcwug-list _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Wireless Users Group Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota http://www.tcwug.org tcwug-list at tcwug.org https://mailman.real-time.com/mailman/listinfo/tcwug-list