News

Minneapolis goes Fi-Wi with WiFi, but it's a private venture

by Guy Kewney | posted on 12 April 2005

The City of Minneapolis has a FiWi (fibre and wireless) vision. It is going to create a metropolitan hotspot, and will even include all the commercial hotspots already operating, in this network.

Some might accuse American community Government of being prone to create too many laws. Not Minneapolis: its vision is "empowering" - and the relevant item in the list (below) is the last one: "...where technology is innovative, accessible and easy to use for all city residents, organisations and agencies."

According to the local paper - registration needed for second access! - this means WiFi wireless, all linked together with fibre backbone.

But unlike the controversial Philadelphia plan which will be done by the local authority, Minneapolis will do it with a commercial enterprise: "No tax money would be used for the Minneapolis wireless network, which would be paid for, built, owned and operated by the winning bidder on the city's proposal. That is a markedly different approach than in Philadelphia, where the city will own and operate a new Wi-Fi network," said Star Tribune reporter Steve Alexander.

The project goes up for commercial bids tomorrow (Wednesday, April 13th) estimating the cost of installation between $15m and $20m, says the paper.

Alexander notes: "Consumers would be able to buy broadband access of 1 million to 3 million bits per second for $18 to $24 a month -- a bit slower than wired cable modem service but about half the price." And he adds: "The network also is expected to create an economic incentive for businesses to locate in Minneapolis."

"If someone gets off a plane at the airport and signs up for Minneapolis Internet service, they can sign on with one password anywhere in the city," said Bill Beck, director for business development in the city of Minneapolis' computer operations. "Cities that have that will be in a much better position to attract new business opportunities and economic development. It will be the ante to get into the game in the next several years."

Here's the Minneapolis "vision" statement in full:

Minneapolis has a vision where...

where communities are sustainable and families
are strong.

where every resident benefits from the region’s strong economy.

where concentrations of poverty and economic disparity by race are the exception in the urban core.

where successful public/private partnerships are replicated throughout the entire city.

where economic development strategies that generate living wage jobs and community sustainability are implemented so all residents can participate in the economic success of the area, regardless of race or economic status.

where access to life-cycle housing promotes family and neighbourhood stability and where home ownership becomes a reality for all families.

where residents have safe neighbourhoods that are crime and drug free and where children are seen as the community’s greatest asset.

where a comprehensive pre-K through life education system prepares all Minneapolis learners to participate in the economic and social fabric of the community.

where community-based services are streamlined for easier access so families can nurture and support their children at “family friendly” times and locations.

where technology is innovative, accessible and easy to use for all city residents, organisations and agencies.

But can they match Korea? - You can discuss this article on our discussion board.