| Never going to show solid return Ubiquitous WiFi in urban areas is a terrible business plan. The technology just does not work well in high density locations, which is where all of the networks are being built, because that is where the best user density is. Too many large buildings and trees create multipath interference that can only be helped by deploying an incredible number of nodes per sq mi. With all of the attendant install and support costs.
Then they have to compete in the cable/telco companies prime markets. They would be much better served in smaller towns where the incumbents offerings are weak, but then the user density is too low. These huge meshed networks, with expensive nodes and complex routing algorithms cannot offer the throughput that is possible over high end cable/dsl circuits in major cities.
Just a bad business model all around. I am waiting to see if mobile WiMax offers any better radio performance. |
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 John GaltForward, MarchPremium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
kudos:3 | said by nranieri:Ubiquitous WiFi in urban areas is a terrible business plan. That is one of those buzz words that consultants like to throw out there to dazzle the uninformed non-technical policymakers. Engineers cringe every time they heard that word tossed around.
I am waiting to see if mobile WiMax offers any better radio performance.
Same issues with WiMax as WiFi with regards to frequency...
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patcat88
join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
kudos:1 | reply to nranieri
said by nranieri:Ubiquitous WiFi in urban areas is a terrible business plan. The technology just does not work well in high density locations, which is where all of the networks are being built, because that is where the best user density is. Too many large buildings and trees create multipath interference that can only be helped by deploying an incredible number of nodes per sq mi. With all of the attendant install and support costs. Nothing like sitting in a Manhattan NYC park, trying to use the park's free wifi, except you cant EVER connect, since you see around 250 APs at any place in the park. So much bandwidth, but no ability to leach. |
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