Cities large and small are issuing RFPs with diverging requirements for wireless broadband networks. Some cities want a Wi-Fi network, but aren’t willing to contribute funding to a build-out or won’t even agree to become an anchor “tenant.” Other local governments are taking a more progressive approach, agreeing to become an initial services customer and working to bring other customers to the table, as well as clear the way for services deployment.
How big is the U.S. municipal Wi-Fi market? Mesh network equipment manufacturer Strix Systems ( www.strixsys-tems.com) says there are “about 400” projects in the works or under consideration around the country. “Of those 400, it’s hard to say exactly where everyone is,” said Kirby Russell, Strix’s director of product marketing. “There’s still a certain
level of education that is going on. More than half are in the process of fine tuning their selection criteria, determining who can deploy a solution, if a solution will meet their needs, developing a business plan with the application.”
Nortel ( www.nortel.com) is especially bullish on the municipal Wi-Fi market and their ability to deliver fully functional turn-key solutions, especially those running voice. “You’re going to see a lot of activity [from Nortel] in the next few months,” said Angela Singhal Whiteford, director of municipal wireless solutions. “We’re going after it with a vengeance. You’re going to see a lot of wins.”
While Nortel has deployed two of the largest Wi-Fi networks in Taipei, Taiwan, and in Moscow over the past two years, the Municipal Wireless Solutions group was created
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