Entrepreneurs Step in to Save Philadelphia’s Municipal Wi-Fi Network

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Entrepreneurs Step in to Save Philadelphia’s Municipal Wi-Fi Network

1:05 pm on June 18, 2008 | Category: Business, Wireless Technology, Internet, Wi-Fi

A group of investors in Philadelphia have stepped in to rescue that city’s municipal Wi-Fi network, which was given up for dead after EarthLink’s decision to exit the wireless broadband business.

The investors are eventually hoping to generate profit by providing businesses with both fixed-line and wireless high-speed internet access. They also intend to continue offering free outdoor Wi-Fi access to consumers in the city.

EarthLink’s network, which was built by the ailing dialup ISP at a cost of $17 million, will comprise just one component of the planned citywide broadband network.

“We’re not anywhere near close to delivering a full service yet,” commented Richard A. Rasansky, a local entrepreneur who is on the board of the new company. “The network is not completed. It’s not so much a problem with how it’s built, it’s that it’s currently unbuilt.”

Even after the network is complete, it won’t offer free, full-service consumer internet access as many residents had hoped. The service isn’t designed to be available indoors, and won’t be fast enough to stream audio, video, or large files.

What it will offer is a convenient way to access the web or check email the go. It will be especially useful for tourists wishing to check bus times or look up directions while visiting the city.

“When it’s finished, I think the average person will be satisfied with what they’re going to get,” said Craig Settles, a municipal Wi-Fi expert, and owner of Successful.com. “It’s a real plus to be able to stop in a city park and look up a restaurant.”