Chicagoist: Free Wi-Fi in Chicago?

mn

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 10:54:56 -0600

library...?? but I never want to leave my house!! ;)

vit

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 09:17:26 -0600

I never assumed the service would be free either. But I did assume it would probably cost less than what those bastards at SBC are charging me.

Ruth

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 16:03:10 -0600

Actually there is already free WiFi in the City - every Chicago Public Library location has free WiFi... you don't even have to have a library card!

matt

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 13:31:20 -0600

Thad--that's exactly what I was thinking. If it's billed as a utility like power, gas, etc, then you get into that whole private company/public service, how much profit is too much profit thing. It's a very complicated issue.

dwight

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 12:58:49 -0600

Better make sure you lock you laptop down tighter than Cameron's ass. Talk about a hackers delight!

Thad

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 12:49:04 -0600

Re: Cost--has there been any thought to make this like a fee for water or gas--a utility cost, billed as such? Is that model even followed anywhere? And would prices differ for residents and businesses, and what kind of monopoly would a provider get--that is, how long, and under what terms? Perhaps these are good questions for a Chicagoist reporter.

Chris

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 11:45:36 -0600

I read some comments elsewhere about how this is a bad idea because then we get 'locked' into a particular technology (ie Wifi or even WiMax). I disagree, as part of the installation process would involve new infrastructure to handle the equipment. The equipment could then be upgraded as needed.

Matt Wood

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 11:43:00 -0600

Good point. I think I kind of assumed it was meant to be free because networks in other cities, like Austin or the proposed Google nework in SF, are free + advertising. In that case, what would be a reasonable price for such a service?

little me

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 11:38:42 -0600

I don't think the article said anything about it being free, did it? I was under the impression that the vendor the city selected would charge for the service - I'm guessing with discounts for low-income users and free access for schools, libraries, parks etc.