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Municipal Broadband Wireless Networks. By Munir Mandviwalla, Abhijit Jain, Julie Fesenmaier, Jeff Smith, Paul Weinberg, and Greg Meyers Presented by Andrew Collins. Overview.
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Municipal Broadband Wireless Networks By Munir Mandviwalla, Abhijit Jain, Julie Fesenmaier, Jeff Smith, Paul Weinberg, and Greg Meyers Presented by Andrew Collins
Overview • Recommendations from a set of participants who were involved in an expert group set up by the Philadelphia (USA) Mayor’s office. • The recommendations are provided as stages which should be used as a framework for other municipalities who want to create an MWN.
Why MWN? • The technology is here • It’s cheap! $40,000-74,000 sq/mile • A single Zebra Crossing costs £114,000 (Telegraph) • Private corporations only want profit • Certain populations will never get Internet • Municipalities have the assets (street/traffic lights) • Cuts cost as entertainment and telephone could merge
Goals • Reduce/Remove the “Digital Divide” • Cut costs by providing municipal services electronically • On-demand information for tourists • Maps, Tourist Information, etc. • Boost participation in political processes • Debates, e-Voting, information • Pre-built network infrastructure for businesses • Hotels, Cafes, Pubs, etc.
Stakeholders • State or City Government • Municipal Services • Underserved/Disadvantaged Individuals • Community Residents • Local Tourist Industry • Small and start-up businesses • Large and mid-sized corporations • Telecoms and ISPs • Non-profit and community groups • Utility / Transportation / Health care • Higher Education • Public Schools • Outside the municipality
Policy • Why should government get involved in “luxury” services? Internet is necessity! • Current ISP’s are not happy! • Unfair competition • Disruptive technology • ISP’s are not alone • Mobile Phone networks • Entertainment networks
Applications • Free/Cheap Internet Access • Backup communication network • Emergency Services • Cheap telephone (VOIP) • What can’t you do with ubiquitous Internet access?
Wireless Technology • Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b, g, n) • Wireless Mesh Network (IEEE 802.11s) • WiMax (IEEE 802.16) • Upgrade as technology improves
Management and Funding II Private Municipality • Social aspects not important • May cancel the project • May be more expensive • No risk to municipality • Experienced • Bad reputation for project management and technology failure • Victim of politics • Social aspects are important • Easier to manage
Implementing the MWN • It could fail! • Users are simply not interested • Users lack the resources to take advantage • Marketing and Education campaign required • Boost trust in an MWN • Resolve computer literacy issues
Conclusion • Social advocates see a cheap project that could have a huge impact • Technologists see the amazing potential of ubiquitous Internet Access • Civic leaders see opportunity to boost image of municipality • Entrepreneurs see profitable opportunity in a new industry
Questions? • Any questions?