A citywide muni-WiFi network in Tempe, Ariz., that went dark months ago is drawing attention from Computers and Tele-Comm (CTC), which runs wireless networks in the Kansas city area and in the Hilton and Hyatt hotel chains. CTC has asked Tempe's city council to consider such a deal, but it wants some concessions. For example, the contract's penalty for failure to provide service was a "rent" of $500 per pole; CTC wants that lowered to $50. The system was first brought on line in 2005, but it didn't effectively cover the entire city, and that inability to blanket all of Tempe hurt the company's marketing efforts. Also causing a problem were the numerous stucco homes that have a blocking effect on WiFi signals.
For more:
- check out the East Valley Tribune
Related story:
Special Report: Muni-WiFi--Sizzle or Fizzle? Muni-WiFi editorial