Microsoft Jumps on Municipal WiFi Bandwagon
Microsoft is initiating a push into municipal WiFi with a pilot program that aims to cover 95 percent of Portland, Ore., by mid-2008. When users log onto the free service, they will encounter MSN-generated content and local news, weather and entertainment information.
Under the deal, the WiFi network will be coupled with a suite of Microsoft-designed Internet services to help users find Portland-centric information. The network will rely on Microsoft's adCenter platform to help advertisers reach local WiFi users.
The Yankee Group expects spending on these networks to increase from less than $50 million in 2005 to more than $150 million in 2006. As WiFi becomes an important vehicle for providing Internet access to rural areas, that number is likely to swell.
BJH Comment: Many firms will likely want to maintain these municipal networks as private ventures. I feel that is incumbent on municipal governments to ensure that this is not the case - WiFi networks should be government owned and talked about in the same breath as water and garbage collection as a public good.
Under the deal, the WiFi network will be coupled with a suite of Microsoft-designed Internet services to help users find Portland-centric information. The network will rely on Microsoft's adCenter platform to help advertisers reach local WiFi users.
The Yankee Group expects spending on these networks to increase from less than $50 million in 2005 to more than $150 million in 2006. As WiFi becomes an important vehicle for providing Internet access to rural areas, that number is likely to swell.
BJH Comment: Many firms will likely want to maintain these municipal networks as private ventures. I feel that is incumbent on municipal governments to ensure that this is not the case - WiFi networks should be government owned and talked about in the same breath as water and garbage collection as a public good.
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