This would essentially be a wireless infrastructure system for the city's networking purposes, with the added 'bonus' of wireless internet access to those who fall within the zone of wireless coverage. The assumption now--based on what the vendors are saying to the city, I take it--is that there will be a charge for the service to regular joes. The motivation is appparently--and many cities are trying for this--to be the 'first' wireless city in the nation. It raises issues as to how 'free' internet access should be if supplied by the government or a government approved vendor. The best way to think about it is to compare how cable television monopolies are created through cable franchise fees. In return for the cable company providing the infrastructure in the city, the company receives regulated revenues that are generated from end users. Same goes for this apparent wireless initiative. But, there are also public access and community input issues that go with cable TV and so should there be with wireless internet. Once a deal is cut with the vendor, there's little room to negotiate any free or reduced fee services for the public (or, for that matter, funds for WUGs in the city). Thus, if folks want wireless ISP access available to them for free or for substantially reduced cost, this is the time to pressure the city to take that into account. Gregory Luce _______________________________________________ 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