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Internet is a basic amenity, Wi-fi cities spark hotspot debate

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AC9breaker

Oct 20 2005, 06:40 AM

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BBC News: World Edition

QUOTE

A growing number of cities in the US are treating high-speed internet as a basic amenity for citizens, like running water or the electricity grid. But as the concept expands so does the battle with big business.

Earlier this month, Philadelphia - one of America's oldest and most historic cities - thrust itself onto the technological frontline by announcing plans to build the biggest municipal wireless internet system in the country.

The 135-square-mile network will be built and managed by Earthlink, and will offer low-income residents a service for about $10 (£5.70) a month.

A clutch of other cities are hoping to follow suit with free or low-cost services aimed at reconnecting poor communities, growing local businesses and giving new flexibility to the emergency services.

In a couple of weeks, San Francisco will announce the results of its call for proposals on providing a wireless service to the city's 750,000 inhabitants.

One bid that sent shockwaves through the industry came from Google, which offered to blanket the city with free wireless high-speed internet access - funded by advertising.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said: "This is inevitable - wi-fi. It is long overdue. It is to me a fundamental right to have access universally to information."

It seems also that big internet and phone companies are lobbying against this move as they feel their richness will decrease, something they can not tolerate. I wonder how many politicians will be purchasing new cars in the months to come.

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"Brotherhood asked for no friendship, only loyalty. They stood back to back as the galaxy burned - always brothers, never friends; traitors together unto the last."

--an Excerpt from a Night Lords Novel Void Stalkers Chapter X: Revenge

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AC9breaker Internet is a basic amenity Oct 20 2005, 06:40 AM

hamstar QUOTE (AC9breaker @ Oct 20 2005, 06:40 AM) BBC New... Oct 20 2005, 11:04 AM

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