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…

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.

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Network 1 Communications to unwire Granite City, Illinois

Wireless Oakland has suspended operations after failing to attract new investors. The network is stuck in phase one and has been unable to expand because of a lack of funds. The total cost of building out the network is estimated at $70 million. MichTel Communications, the service provider, cannot go on with the project.

While projects such as Wireless Oakland stumble, others such as Craven County (North Carolina), Racine County (Wisconsin) and Cambria County (Pennsylvania) are going forward with their plans.…

MetroFi will be shutting down Portland’s network this month. With only 30 percent of the city covered, MetroFi announced several months ago that it could no longer expand or operate the network. MetroFi wanted $9 million from the city to continue network expansion and operations, but the city does not want to pay. It has no plans to use the network for municipal purposes. Philadelphia managed to find local investors to take over EarthLink’s network, but Portland is taking a…