MuniWireless

Lompoc, California is trying to make its citywide wireless broadband service work harder by attracting and keeping more customers. The city has replaced its previous network management system with a new one from Aptilo and claims that Aptilo’s system now allows to city to manage its network better, including being able identify where problems occur, when customers call in. The city has also stopped using outside firms to manage the network. Now, instead of needing 4000 subscribers to break even,…

Stephouse Networks, a Portland-based wireless ISP, announced they are offering Wi-Fi and fixed WiMAX service within the five square miles of Portland’s downtown area and two square miles of North Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood. The fixed WiMAX service is targeted to enterprise users, primarily to replace more expensive T-1 lines.

Last week, I spoke to Tyler Booth, CEO of Stephouse, about their Portland network. Booth made it clear that Stephouse did not take over the MetroFi contract with Portland (even though…

Hartford, Connecticut has abandoned its plan to cover the city with wireless broadband service. Instead, it will focus on maintaining the existing network which is available in the Blue Hills neighborhood and certain parts of downtown. Hartford had embarked on a $5.8 million plan to unwire the city, primarily to bring inexpensive or free Internet access to low-income residents. But lack of demand from residents, coupled with rising costs, have forced the city to rethink the entire project.

Several points raised…

Network 1 Communications, a wireless ISP, will be bringing wireless broadband service to the following communities  in the St. Louis area: Ballwin, Chesterfield, Olivette, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Hazelwood, Glendale and Arnold. They join Granite City, Cottleville, Florissant, Crestwood, Kirkwood, O’Fallon, St. Paul and Dardenne Prairie. Network 1 charges between $20 and $50 per month for service.

Related stories:

Network 1 Communications to unwire Granite City, Illinois

The town of Tabor, Iowa (pop. 1000) will be offering citywide Wi-Fi service to its residents.The town will simply add Wi-Fi service to the municipal utility bill (which includes water and sewer fees). The city is paying Efanz, a service provider based in Omaha (Nebraska), $240,000 for two years (approx. $11,000 per month). It is not surprising to see smaller towns in rural areas deploying Wi-Fi service in their communities. Indeed, it is in places where people are still on…