The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will begin examining the contract between the city and EarthLink and Google this week that proposes to develop and deploy a citywide wireless network.
Under the terms of the contract, EarthLink will build and maintain the network at a cost of $15 over the next 10 years, and Google will create a free service for residents that will feature upload/download speeds of 300 kbits per second. EarthLink will offer an enhanced service at 1 Mbit per second at roughly $21 a month.
Despite the previously stated concerns regarding privacy and ownership of the network, some voices are now being raised regarding the investment users would have to assume in order to access the network. Estimates are that roughly one-third of residents would have to upgrade their computer equipment, including what is known as a "bridge" that will be rquired to access the network indoors. The device will cost between $50 to $100, but will be free to those users who opt for the paid service.
It's amazing that some people are now coming to the realization that they have to invest something in order to get something. You just can't turn on your computer and PRESTO!, you have wireless access. Here's hoping there will be better user education information sent to the public in the near future so they will have all the details needed to make the right choice for their own particular needs.
