The Future of Municipal Wireless in the United States and Europe

TLDR: Karenchesley et al. as discussed by the authors examined past efforts by both American and European cities to develop municipal wireless networks, and discussed several projects on the horizon, concluding that government intervention is appropriate only where private market development has been impeded, and thus correctly shapes future wireless broadband development projects.

Abstract: As the information age progresses, the need for cheap, easy Internet access increases if we want citizens to be able to participate in the global economy. In both the United States and the European Union, cities have taken the lead in attempting to provide Internet access via wireless Internet networks. So far, these efforts have met with limited success at best, and, at worst, have ended in utter failure. Nonetheless, the need for access to the 21st century's most important means of communication continues to be a pressing need. In this paper, I will examine past efforts by both American and European cities to develop municipal wireless networks, and will discuss several projects on the horizon. As technology advances, it will become easier and cheaper for cities to develop wireless networks. Although a low-cost (or free) citywide network has the potential to interfere with the private market for Internet service, the public good inherent in universal service outweighs these negative consequences when the private market would under-serve a certain community. When, however, the private market has provided the means to connect in a competitive marketplace, the role for city governments may be more limited. The existing laws in the both the EU and the United States implicitly recognize that government intervention is appropriate only where private market development has been impeded, and thus correctly shapes future wireless broadband development projects. Please note: This is a work in progress. Comments and criticism are welcome and may be directed to karenchesley@gmail.com.