AI
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 11:22:43 AM
Free or Fee-paid WiFi Muni services...
I don't think Jay is interested in giving it away for free.
^^
"Increasing debate over free vs. fee-paid muni WiFi networks
Posted Jun 20th 2006 10:07AM by Michael Sciannamea
Filed under: WiFi, MAN - muni, Government, Business
Today's Wall Street Journal has an interesting story on the growth of advertiser-supported citywide wireless networks and how more municipalities are turning toward that platform as opposed to one supported by monthly user fees.
Obviously, an advertiser-supported network carries little risk for cities, but a great deal of risk to the vendors who built them. We all saw recently how MobilePro Corp., an emerging player in the sector, walked away from a deal with Sacramento, Calif. because the city insisted on switching to an advertising model. As a result, MobilePro's estimate of getting anywhere from $2 milliton to $4 million in revenue annually from a fee-paid platform would have been pushed aside.
It goes without saying that cities should look for the best deal for their citizens, but they might be cutting off their noses to spite their faces when it comes to choosing a free platform over a fee-paid one. As we've said here before, you get what you pay for, and relying solely on advertising carries risks because advertisers can pull out at virtually any time for any reason, and without a steady stream of revenue coming in to keep the network running and preparing for enhancements, free networks can fall by the wayside very easily."
Source:
http://tinyurl.com/o5cm2
I don't think Jay is interested in giving it away for free.
^^
"Increasing debate over free vs. fee-paid muni WiFi networks
Posted Jun 20th 2006 10:07AM by Michael Sciannamea
Filed under: WiFi, MAN - muni, Government, Business
Today's Wall Street Journal has an interesting story on the growth of advertiser-supported citywide wireless networks and how more municipalities are turning toward that platform as opposed to one supported by monthly user fees.
Obviously, an advertiser-supported network carries little risk for cities, but a great deal of risk to the vendors who built them. We all saw recently how MobilePro Corp., an emerging player in the sector, walked away from a deal with Sacramento, Calif. because the city insisted on switching to an advertising model. As a result, MobilePro's estimate of getting anywhere from $2 milliton to $4 million in revenue annually from a fee-paid platform would have been pushed aside.
It goes without saying that cities should look for the best deal for their citizens, but they might be cutting off their noses to spite their faces when it comes to choosing a free platform over a fee-paid one. As we've said here before, you get what you pay for, and relying solely on advertising carries risks because advertisers can pull out at virtually any time for any reason, and without a steady stream of revenue coming in to keep the network running and preparing for enhancements, free networks can fall by the wayside very easily."
Source:
http://tinyurl.com/o5cm2
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