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Grand Rapids’ wireless network effort falling behind schedule

by Michael Sciannamea

grandrapids.jpgThe proposed wireless network for Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is being based on WiMax technology, is not likely to be up and running until around the middle of next year, says a city official.

Clearwire inked a deal with the city to have a network up by the end of this year, but they are running behind schedule, although there are no specifics as to why the city and the potential user base have to wait until mid-2008. There have been some indications that Clearwire’s technology partners, Motorola and Intel, are not developing the equipment necessary to handle WiMax signals fast enough to satisfy the original deadline, but as the project manager, Clearwire takes ultimate responsibility for what happens with regard to the network.

When the network is finally ready to roll, there are some interesting aspects to it that may spur other municipalities to copy what Grand Rapids and Clearwire are looking to do with it. For example, Clearwire will establish WiFi hotspots at various locations throughout the city for those users who choose not to upgrade their computers to work in the WiMax network environment.

In addition, the local government plans to leverage the netowrk to allow emergency responders to access information while positioned throughout the city. The contract also will allow Clearwire to access local infrastructure, including water towers, to position equipment.

The company also says it will provide discounted network service for qualified low-income residents, so the concept of “bridging the digital divide” still lives on, at least in this particular scenario.

[Via MLive.com]


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