Comments on: MuniFi: Build it and they still don’t come? http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/ Trusted Insights and Conversations on the Next Wave of Technology Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:44:08 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Meraki Seeks Money Making Outlet for Free Wi-Fi - GigaOM http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-913682 Meraki Seeks Money Making Outlet for Free Wi-Fi - GigaOM Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:40 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-913682 <p>[...] 19, 2008 | 9:31 AM PT | 0 comments Meraki, the Google and Sequoia-backed startup that focuses on citywide Wi-Fi networks, hasn’t let the demise of municipal Wi-Fi halt its efforts to make money or make the wireless [...]</p> [...] 19, 2008 | 9:31 AM PT | 0 comments Meraki, the Google and Sequoia-backed startup that focuses on citywide Wi-Fi networks, hasn’t let the demise of municipal Wi-Fi halt its efforts to make money or make the wireless [...]

]]> By: Seeking Profits, MuniFi Player Now Backs WiMAX - GigaOM http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-866259 Seeking Profits, MuniFi Player Now Backs WiMAX - GigaOM Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:23:39 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-866259 <p>[...] move is consistent with my skepticism around the one-size-fits-all WiFi strategy adopted by some cities and towns. These projects were destined to run into headwinds, [...]</p> [...] move is consistent with my skepticism around the one-size-fits-all WiFi strategy adopted by some cities and towns. These projects were destined to run into headwinds, [...]

]]> By: John Doe http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-541752 John Doe Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:09:15 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-541752 <p>FYI.</p> <p>Kite Networks has already spun off from Mobilepro, however, Mobilepro sold Kite to Gobility, who has no money. They cannot even make payroll. Now, the employees of Kite Networks will be filing a complaint with the Department of Labor, which will most likely end up causing Mobilepro some legal issues due to their fraudulent transaction to Gobility.</p> FYI.

Kite Networks has already spun off from Mobilepro, however, Mobilepro sold Kite to Gobility, who has no money. They cannot even make payroll. Now, the employees of Kite Networks will be filing a complaint with the Department of Labor, which will most likely end up causing Mobilepro some legal issues due to their fraudulent transaction to Gobility.

]]> By: GigaOM MuniFi, VoIP & Great (UnMet) Expecations « http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-446706 GigaOM MuniFi, VoIP & Great (UnMet) Expecations « Tue, 14 Aug 2007 01:44:59 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-446706 <p>[...] questioning the wisdom of municipal WiFi networks and wondering if they really will ever realize their potential. It seems the pendulum has swung from one extreme to [...]</p> [...] questioning the wisdom of municipal WiFi networks and wondering if they really will ever realize their potential. It seems the pendulum has swung from one extreme to [...]

]]> By: GigaOM Broadband by the Beach: Pacifica WiFi « http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-174568 GigaOM Broadband by the Beach: Pacifica WiFi « Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:46:02 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-174568 <p>[...] AM PT | No comments MuniFi’s been getting shelled in the press, mostly because of some under-utilized deployments. That hasn’t deterred cities from taking the plunge, particularly small communities where the [...]</p> [...] AM PT | No comments MuniFi’s been getting shelled in the press, mostly because of some under-utilized deployments. That hasn’t deterred cities from taking the plunge, particularly small communities where the [...]

]]> By: GigaOM Meraki meshes, one Repeater at a time « http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-139326 GigaOM Meraki meshes, one Repeater at a time « Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:01:05 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-139326 <p>[...] Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 9:00 PM PT | No comments The economics and usage patterns of MuniFi have been a subject of debate for quite sometime, but it is hard to argue with the efforts of innovators to keep the dream alive [...]</p> [...] Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 9:00 PM PT | No comments The economics and usage patterns of MuniFi have been a subject of debate for quite sometime, but it is hard to argue with the efforts of innovators to keep the dream alive [...]

]]> By: GigaOM Still no MuniFi: Silicon Valley, San Francisco « http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-127982 GigaOM Still no MuniFi: Silicon Valley, San Francisco « Thu, 31 May 2007 16:16:08 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-127982 <p>[...] Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 9:15 AM PT | No comments Some city-wide Wi-Fi networks are being launched and few residents are using them. And then there are the planned muniFi networks that are stuck in the purgatory of logistics and [...]</p> [...] Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 9:15 AM PT | No comments Some city-wide Wi-Fi networks are being launched and few residents are using them. And then there are the planned muniFi networks that are stuck in the purgatory of logistics and [...]

]]> By: » News to know: Patch fiesta; Boot Camp; Apache calls out Sun; Slow hard disks | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96336 » News to know: Patch fiesta; Boot Camp; Apache calls out Sun; Slow hard disks | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com Wed, 23 May 2007 21:48:12 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96336 <p>[...] MuniFi: Build it and they still don’t come?Computerworld: Top 10 Firefox extensions to avoid.Roland Piquepaille: Imaging the center of the [...]</p> [...] MuniFi: Build it and they still don’t come?Computerworld: Top 10 Firefox extensions to avoid.Roland Piquepaille: Imaging the center of the [...]

]]> By: Katie Fehrenbacher http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96335 Katie Fehrenbacher Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:59:34 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96335 <p>Audrey, Thanks, I updated the info.</p> Audrey, Thanks, I updated the info.

]]> By: Left In SF » Wi-Fi not all it’s cracked up to be http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96334 Left In SF » Wi-Fi not all it’s cracked up to be Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:57:34 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96334 <p>[...] everybody online all the time. From Taipei’s aggressive citywide network to Lompoc’s fewer than 300 subscribers, it seems that few, if any, networks are successful so far as a way for large numbers [...]</p> [...] everybody online all the time. From Taipei’s aggressive citywide network to Lompoc’s fewer than 300 subscribers, it seems that few, if any, networks are successful so far as a way for large numbers [...]

]]> By: Audrey http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96333 Audrey Thu, 12 Apr 2007 06:35:08 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96333 <p>There's an error in the post above: the analysis of Portland's MetroFi network was done by Caleb Phillips and Russell Senior, independent of their work with Personal Telco (it was misreported in the WWeek article). Details are at http://www.unwirepdx-watch.org/.</p> <p>The perception that the municipal network here doesn't work comes from the difficulty of even signing on to the network, with reports from people throughout the demo areas. We're not expecting a lot, just a base level of usability.</p> There’s an error in the post above: the analysis of Portland’s MetroFi network was done by Caleb Phillips and Russell Senior, independent of their work with Personal Telco (it was misreported in the WWeek article). Details are at http://www.unwirepdx-watch.org/.

The perception that the municipal network here doesn’t work comes from the difficulty of even signing on to the network, with reports from people throughout the demo areas. We’re not expecting a lot, just a base level of usability.

]]> By: Marcus http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96331 Marcus Wed, 11 Apr 2007 22:04:12 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96331 <p>Well, I always felt the notion that municipal wireless will obliterate smaller commercial networks (ex hotspots or hotzones) was based on not clearly understanding the ground reality. Read this one below, now let's yawn about municipal wireless? http://www.wifinetnews.com/archives/007106.html</p> Well, I always felt the notion that municipal wireless will obliterate smaller commercial networks (ex hotspots or hotzones) was based on not clearly understanding the ground reality. Read this one below, now let’s yawn about municipal wireless? http://www.wifinetnews.com/archives/007106.html

]]> By: Denise Graab/MetroFi http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96329 Denise Graab/MetroFi Wed, 11 Apr 2007 21:01:55 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96329 <p>Katie: From MetroFi's perspective, the most important metrics are utilization reporting – how many people are using the network and for how long. With reference to our network in Portland, the actual usage of the network since its launch in December 2006 has tripled. In March alone, over 5,800 users were on our network spending over 50,000 hours online. And as more and more Portland neighborhoods go live, we expect the utilization numbers to continue to increase.</p> Katie: From MetroFi’s perspective, the most important metrics are utilization reporting – how many people are using the network and for how long. With reference to our network in Portland, the actual usage of the network since its launch in December 2006 has tripled. In March alone, over 5,800 users were on our network spending over 50,000 hours online. And as more and more Portland neighborhoods go live, we expect the utilization numbers to continue to increase.

]]> By: dailywireless.org » Houston Signs for $2.5M Services Package with Earthlink http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96332 dailywireless.org » Houston Signs for $2.5M Services Package with Earthlink Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:37:15 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96332 <p>[...] The euphoria of metropolitan WiFi networks is beginning to wear off, reports GigOm. Portland’s Personal Telco found Portland’s WiFi coverage lacking. The official performance review by Uptown Services is expected tomorrow. [...]</p> [...] The euphoria of metropolitan WiFi networks is beginning to wear off, reports GigOm. Portland’s Personal Telco found Portland’s WiFi coverage lacking. The official performance review by Uptown Services is expected tomorrow. [...]

]]> By: Jacomo http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96330 Jacomo Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:51:43 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96330 <p>Issues to address: 1. Muni (and their consultants) selecting the Provider and not considering the Technology.No excuse after all these years. 2. Lack of pre-award trial with a side by side by two top choices of systems. The good consultants can make this a fair test if not an independant test firm should be used to make it clean. 3. Lack of a performance Bond requirements in the RFP, which will quickly qualify the Providers to make sure they pick the correct systems and not the big name (Providers and Vendors). These bonds (effectively an insurance policies for the Muni) will require the Provider to deliver a minimum bandwidth levels per Node/AP and latency targets between Nodes for the term of the contract. This should be required regardless of whether the provider is building a "Free Network" for the Muni. 4. Wireless Gateway connections, as in using a Canopy Link to refresh the remote Mesh Node will not suffice to maintain the bandwidth levels required of the new portable user community. 10-20 Mbps bump to a Node every 3-4 nodes is not economical nor functional. These networks really do need 100Mbps links that can best be delivered over a fiber link or select PTP radios. Of course this assumes the single or dual radio node has the ability to use the 100Mbps.</p> <p>These nets need to be designed (day one) to deliver serious Broadband services such as Audio/Photo/Video sharing (symmetrical) services as well as MultiPlayer Gaming (P2P) and VoiceIP. The days of just surfing the Internet and Email checks is gone and should be replaced by robust systems that can be upgraded (in the field)to add in new radios (802.11n, WiMAX and 4.9Ghz)and other capabilities that extend reach and bandwidth. Wait until the Police department wants to add 30 Video Surveillance cameras to these Mesh Networks for backhaul to their Center.</p> <p>WIreless Mesh Networks if designed properly and based on the correct wireless technologies (multiple 4+ radios)will be dominant in delivering links in Portable and slow Mobile Broadband Metro Area services. They will also be a compliment (thru Fixed Mobile Convergence) to both the Narrowband Cellular Mobile data networks as well as emerging WiMAX nets.</p> <p>Jacomo</p> Issues to address: 1. Muni (and their consultants) selecting the Provider and not considering the Technology.No excuse after all these years. 2. Lack of pre-award trial with a side by side by two top choices of systems. The good consultants can make this a fair test if not an independant test firm should be used to make it clean. 3. Lack of a performance Bond requirements in the RFP, which will quickly qualify the Providers to make sure they pick the correct systems and not the big name (Providers and Vendors). These bonds (effectively an insurance policies for the Muni) will require the Provider to deliver a minimum bandwidth levels per Node/AP and latency targets between Nodes for the term of the contract. This should be required regardless of whether the provider is building a “Free Network” for the Muni. 4. Wireless Gateway connections, as in using a Canopy Link to refresh the remote Mesh Node will not suffice to maintain the bandwidth levels required of the new portable user community. 10-20 Mbps bump to a Node every 3-4 nodes is not economical nor functional. These networks really do need 100Mbps links that can best be delivered over a fiber link or select PTP radios. Of course this assumes the single or dual radio node has the ability to use the 100Mbps.

These nets need to be designed (day one) to deliver serious Broadband services such as Audio/Photo/Video sharing (symmetrical) services as well as MultiPlayer Gaming (P2P) and VoiceIP. The days of just surfing the Internet and Email checks is gone and should be replaced by robust systems that can be upgraded (in the field)to add in new radios (802.11n, WiMAX and 4.9Ghz)and other capabilities that extend reach and bandwidth. Wait until the Police department wants to add 30 Video Surveillance cameras to these Mesh Networks for backhaul to their Center.

WIreless Mesh Networks if designed properly and based on the correct wireless technologies (multiple 4+ radios)will be dominant in delivering links in Portable and slow Mobile Broadband Metro Area services. They will also be a compliment (thru Fixed Mobile Convergence) to both the Narrowband Cellular Mobile data networks as well as emerging WiMAX nets.

Jacomo

]]> By: alan schneider http://gigaom.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96328 alan schneider Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:51:58 +0000 http://gigaom.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/munifi-build-it-and-they-still-dont-come/#comment-96328 <p>has anyone looked at the small towns' results? i'm thinking about (for instance) towns under 5k population with REA electrical co-ops providing the service. i don't know where in europe esme vos is talking about, but during my recent visit to family in belgium, i saw most folks very satisfied with service most of us here in the US would have us jumping down a WIRED phone to cance service!</p> has anyone looked at the small towns’ results? i’m thinking about (for instance) towns under 5k population with REA electrical co-ops providing the service. i don’t know where in europe esme vos is talking about, but during my recent visit to family in belgium, i saw most folks very satisfied with service most of us here in the US would have us jumping down a WIRED phone to cance service!

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