MuniWireless

EarthLink will be using the fiber optic network of Alpheus Communications as the backhaul for its citywide Wi-Fi network in Corpus Christi, Texas. The purpose is to provide a lot of bandwidth to users of the network. EarthLink announced today that it will be using the extensive fiber optic network of Alpheus Communications to support the citywide Wi-Fi network in Corpus Christi, Texas — a deployment best known for the wireless automated meter reading application that the city is using as well on the network.

EarthLink has deployments underway in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Milpitas and Anaheim, CA. It is also finalizing agreements with Pasadena and San Francisco, CA, Houston, TX and Alexandria and Arlington County, VA.

Fiber is much better than copper for carrying traffic that requires a lot of bandwidth. Cities should definitely look into whether they already have fiber networks they can lease out or give to the operator of a citywide Wi-Fi network to allow the latter to provide cheaper, faster Internet access.