Whither Wi-Fi?

Judging by this week’s headlines, Wi-Fi is an up-and-down technology. The launch of the Apple iPhone, with its built-in Wi-Fi, certainly gives this technology a boost. But the news that two cities -- Corona, Calif., and Anchorage, Alaska -- have cancelled municipal Wi-Fi networks that suddenly got too expensive is reason to pause.

Further reason for concern is the Forrester Research report which says that, while 385 cities, towns and counties are planning public Wi-Fi networks, early returns show those networks are underutilized and attract mostly male tech-savvy users, hardly an underserved market.

Another reason for optimism is AT&T’s experience in Riverside, Calif., where the company developed a mixed-use business plan, involving a public-safety network for the city as well as both paid and ad-supported access for the public.

Yet another study warns, however, that Wi-Fi networks may not have the automatic business development boost that some cities are expecting. Without careful planning, a city may not attract tourists and new businesses simply by setting up a city-backed wireless Internet, the International Economic Development Council concludes.

If there’s anything apparent here, it is that there are no simple conclusions where Wi-Fi networks are concerned. That’s why, in a series of stories beginning today, Telephony is looking at all the ups and downs of Wi-Fi and particularly municipal Wi-Fi networks. We hope to bring some clarity to this sometimes-confusing issue.

E-mail me at cwilson3@telephonyonline.com.