said by RadioDoc :

...that most people don't care.

said by Tzale :

What do you guys want? This is the number one site on the internet devoted to broadband news. If you don't like hearing about municipal wireless broadband that's dirt cheap, or Lightspeed or FIOS or whatever, then don't read/post here, there are many different forums on this site that can cater to your needs, and there are thousands more across the internet for you to choose from.

-Tzale

said by RadioDoc :

...that most people don't care.

...

said by nasadude :

I don't think it's a matter that most people don't care, it's a matter of using the service with what you have. I wouldn't run out and buy a laptop just to use this service, but I would sure jump on 3M/3M at $17/mo for my home use on my desktop.

I'm not sure why the reporter thought it would be "buck rogersville" with people lounging everywhere hooked to the 'net. Although the article doesn't address it, this wi-fi system is probably the only internet choice besides dial-up for that town.

With the monopoly environment in this country, wi-fi is simply a third way to bridge the last mile and to more easily serve rural areas.

City Manager Dave Pokorney is realistic about what broadband means for Chaska - perhaps more realistic than the companies pushing municipal Wi-Fi projects.

"We get reporters calling all the time, thinking everyone is running around holding up their laptops," he said in a recent phone interview. "The biggest draw is affordable high-speed Internet in the home. People who didn't feel they could afford or justify high-speed can now have it."

But Chaska's experience shows that broadband societies aren't created overnight. And for some portion of the population - people who can't afford or don't want computers, for example - cheap or free broadband won't be a presence in their lives. "This isn't a panacea," admits Earthlink CEO Garry Betty. "It isn't going to solve all the problems of the world. But it does provide people with alternatives."

Unlimited usage, always on, internet access, Plus; 5 email accounts and 10 MB web space for $16.99 per month.

Connection speeds are comparable to cable or DSL. Most users will experience speeds that are approximately 1Mb bi-directional, but speeds may fluctuate between 250k and 3Mb.

said by TK Junk Mail :

The only question not being asked is - Is the service making enough to cover the cost of the Bonds that financed the project?

said by FAQ :

Q) Does the chaska.net service stay connected 24/7 or does it have to connect every time I want to use it?

(A) The chaska.net service is an "always on" connection. We will be requiring that users log on via a web page to utilize the service, but this will only happen once every 24 hours.

said by TOS :

Processes run by your Account must be run interactively. Unattended processes will be terminated.

"Processes" means bots, server processes such as ftp, telnet, http, ssh, smtp, pop3, etc. running on an automatic or manual basis.

Chaska may terminate unattended or inactive connections. The User shall be responsible for any connection overage charges resulting from extended usage or failure to disconnect.