| The wireless network that exists now, the non-Earthlink section, was created by the city as a crimefighting tool to backhaul wireless cameras located in high crime areas where they couldn't run wires. It also was designed to provide data access for first responders. That network was also used, supposedly, for a new parking system they put in that does payment submission and processing wirelessly.
What they essentially did is open the excess capacity of the network to everyone. So, yes, its a tax funded network, but it was not created with the specific intent of creating a muni network. It wasn't designed to compete with Bellsouth and it really doesn't since Bellsouth doesn't offer a product where you have take your laptop and wirelessly access the internet in the city. Their wireless product requires an antenna and receiver.
As well, post-Katrina, the network was upgraded/expanded with donated equipment from several large vendors. The amount of equipment was something in the 100,000's of thousands of dollars.
The new part of the network outlined in this news piece was paid for by Earthlink.
So its combination of the city network giving away extra capacity and a new network created by Earthlink.
There's nothing here really for the Bellsouth folks to be crying about. |
