From a technological standpoint, early attempts show that deploying and maintaining a network of acceptable quality is a challenge{to put it mildly}. The model of ad-supported Web access is a leap into the unknown, and Wi-Fi technology could be leap-frogged by the increasing data speeds of cellular and eventually WiMax, which promises speed and coverage advantages.

"One major lesson I hope cities have learned by now is that a wireless network for which nobody is paying isn't viable," says Craig Fifer, the city's e-government manager. "If the government pays, it's usually inappropriate. If ads pay, it's usually unreliable. Another technical limitation is coverage, since public Wi-Fi generally won't reach inside or above the second floor of buildings.

Technical problems can dog a project regardless of scale or resources. Chaska, Minn., population 18,000, had to upgrade its town-owned Wi-Fi network after two years of operation, moving from the 802.11b standard equipment to the faster 802.11g to handle network volume.

In just a year or two, many cities may look to WiMax technology to provide that kind of broad coverage, as that technology becomes more prevalent and mature. Only some of the Wi-Fi equipment sold today will be compatible with WiMax, so cities might be in for an unpleasant surprise.