Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Muni Input

Al Perlman writes here:

"Opinion: What municipalities should be asking in citywide Wi-Fi planning"

and makes this point:

"Municipal wireless networks are a new venture for municipalities and one in which the potential benefits have been mischaracterized – free Internet for everyone! – and the potential challenges have been underplayed"

This follows a series of articles (like this one) that cite broadband as a driver for economic growth, higher home reslae value, and greater tax base.

"homeowners enjoy higher resale values if their homes have fiber service. Homes with such a connection sell an average of $4,000 to $15,000 more than those that don't, Wetzel says. Trade publication Broadband Properties recently cited a survey in which 50% of the residents in a neighborhood in Loudoun County, Va., built there specifically because of the community's fiber-based amenities.

In another article, "Lack of high-speed data lines cost Davidson a new employer, manager says

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