As is always the case at the end of the year, it seems like so much is about to happen. So many trends were on the verge of making good for 2005 but managed to slip away with certain promises come January. We'll take a look to see if they keep their word after the holidays. Today's issue is a reflection on last year's predictions for 2005. Of course, many things happened this past year that were unforeseen.
Muni-WiFi launched the public versus private debate, brought concerns over QoS and basically scared the pants off of ISPs. City governments reached into their Homeland Security coffers and asked for bids. Philadelphia picked EarthLink. San Francisco is still deciding on who to contract. New Orleans just gave the green light. New York said it's not a matter of "if" but "when," and it seems that is the likely answer most municipalities will give. Philly's WiFi endeavor inspired Pennsylvania state lawmakers to outlaw any other town from launching subsidized service. Google's dark fiber buy-ups and bid for San Francisco led many to wonder if the goliath had its eye on a nationwide WiFi service. Muni-WiFi was the single biggest unforeseen trend of 2005.
FierceWireless won't be publishing from December 26 through January 2, 2006. Our issue full of predictions for 2006 will drop January 3. Happy holidays, everyone. Enjoy. - Brian