Big Easy to Telcos: Stick It
A showdown may be looming over a free wireless internet network that New Orleans set up to boost recovery after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the city.Calling the network vital to the city’s economic comeback, New Orleans technology chief Greg Meffert is vowing to keep the system running as is, even if it means breaking a state law that permits its full operation only during emergencies.
“In the end, it takes a federal judge to issue a restraining order,” he said. “Until that point, if that point ever comes, we’ll keep running it. It’s a lifeline to these people.”
I understand the Bells worried about competition… but this interenet service isn’t exactly fast. Dialup users won’t want to go to the bells since even slowed down it’s faster then that. But all the same, it seems a shame to be forced to remove something that thousands rely on…. plus the Telecos and Cable Companies don’t plan to provide high speeds to some of the areas covered for years. My hope is that it get’s “sold” to a private company… perhaps as a foundation. Could still be used for free (ie. slower) and logged in users get a priority and it get’s paid for… (the bandwidth)
Tags: Networking, News
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