Computerworld’s Craig Mathias wrote a nice opinion piece criticizing the idea of free citywide WiFi access.
But mostly I objected to government getting involved in what should be the province of the private sector and the (admittedly flawed) competitive free market. Sure, it’s enticing to think that a wireless telecommunications service, and broadband at that, could be made available for free. But since base stations and network management systems and such are clearly not free, what we’re really talking about here is whether one group of residents (and usually visitors) should be forced to pay more in taxes or fees so that others can pay less or, if the system is truly free, nothing.
He also points out that no one expects other telecommunications services, like phone service, for free, so expecting WiFi to be free gets in the way of systems that should be universal but paid.
My own take is that there already are soooo many problems with how the FCC and other government agencies regulate regular broadcast airwaves. I see no problem, and in fact encourage, private businesses to offer a uniform and wide-reaching system of paid-for wireless Internet access that goes beyond the craptacular “hotspots” offered by the likes of T-Mobile et al.
The municipalities would be involved just like they’re already involved in broadcast media, but no more. They’re not service providers, and would make poor ones if forced into the role.
