Wi-Fi Markets

Just to keep everyone updated on the continuing development of Wi-Fi, Muni-wireless released a new report on the state of the Wi-Fi market. The long and short of it is the market is expanding rapidly with just about every city looking to get in on the action.

On the flip side, the Philadelphia Inquirer last weekend ran a story about the uncertain future of wireless as a city-led initiative. The usual questions surface - What is the cost to the taxpayers? Is there demand? Is the plan realistic? And finally, should the government be doing any of this? I find the last question the most critical. Governments have always guided markets based upon where and how they use their money. As markets have evolved, how governments respond to these changes is critical to meet the host of relatively new issues impacting urban areas. Can someone point me to a good discussion about what role the government can and should play versus one that asks whether they are simply in or out?