News Philly goes WiFi

Discussion in 'Article Discussion' started by WilHarris, 11 Oct 2005.

  1. WilHarris

    WilHarris Just another nobody Moderator

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  2. MrWillyWonka

    MrWillyWonka Chocolate computers galore!

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    Well well, when is this gonna happen in the UK? I guess I'm okish in Sheffield as the uni is spread over a wide area in the city and I can grab wireless off the uni in quite a lot of places outside.

    As for low income houses, I don't think the people would be able to afford the costs of using the wireless, so it is effiectively the same as having your own house internet connection. But I agree, wimax is a better idea as it covers a hell lot more area than wifi!

    On top of lamp posts? I can see people climbing up and nicking them!
     
  3. mclean007

    mclean007 Officious Bystander

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    [Subsidies to low income households - what kind of low income households can afford WiFi laptops?]Depends how you class 'low income'. A cheap desktop and a WiFi card isn't too expensive, and however you slice it, $10 a month is CHEAP for broadband.

    The whole idea of subsidising internet access for lower income people strikes a nerve with me. Free internet access is something I think people should have access to, but they can get that at a library. Why should wealthier people be subsidising poorer people to surf the net at home? If the Philadelphia authorities think net access is such a basic, essential service, why not make it free for everyone? If I were an ISP in that area I'd be kicking up merry hell right now!
     
  4. yodasarmpit

    yodasarmpit Modder

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    It's also a good marketing campain for the city, as tourists and business people would be able to tap into the service for a small sign up fee.
    Although many hotels and business centers already offer this type of service, in this case it would be city wide.
     
  5. -Xp-

    -Xp- Minimodder

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    It would be nice in the parks, etc, but for houses it's just crazy! Most people in the States alreay have cable TV or a phone line, so what's wrong with DSL or cable?

    WiMax is also a good alternative. As you said this would be the perfect opportunity to see how it performs on a large scale.

    And what about internet through your power lines?
     
  6. sadffffff

    sadffffff Minimodder

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    this is a horrible idea. good for earthlink bad for other isp's. would be fine if it were provided for free via a tax or soemthing.. "advantage of living here: roads, streetlights, sewer system, water system, free internet access"
     
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