Signs pointing to EarthLink pulling out of SF WiFi network deal
Things are not looking so good for the proposed WiFi network for San Francisco managed by EarthLink and Google. Debates over the contract and its terms have delayed this project for months, and now it looks like EarthLink is having some second thoughts over whether they will stay in.
During EarthLink’s second quarter earnings call last week, President and CEO Rolla P. Huff said that his company is re-thinking its strategy regarding muni WiFi and is looking for opportunities where local governments will become “meaningful anchor tenants” so as to provide a foundation for the development and deployment of a citywide wireless network.
That in itself speaks volumes, because the notion of a “free” wireless network has to set aside if the technology/concept is to grow beyond what it is now. The “if you build it, they will come” strategy no longer makes economic/business sense anymore–it costs too much to install the equipment and get the required access to local infrastructure and, frankly, it requires a lot of time and investment to market this service to the masses.
IMHO, it is the municipality’s job to convey to its residents that a wireless network is available at an affordable cost, and not the ISP’s task. Plus, and rightly so, muni WiFi is a privilege and not a right–you don’t have to have it, and the people that are screaming that everything should be “free” are naive, to say the least.
Time will tell when it comes to the San Francisco wireless network, but it wouldn’t be surprising if EarthLink decides to pull out and seek other opportunities.
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