Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan

[Brad Isaac]

Back in early September, we reported that the city of Philadelphia was considering a major rollout of WiFi for the entire surfing population. This would make it in effect, the world's largest WiFi hotspot. We are learning today that this plan may not be all wine and roses. According to eWeek article, some of the commercial phone companies have a slight problem with the plan. Lobbyists for the telecommunications industry have descended on the scene to try and squash it by declaring it "unfair competition". Their reasoning is the voice over IP type of technology provided for free or low-cost by the city of Philadelphia would dramatically cut into the business of telecommunication companies.
"In fact, a bill on Gov. Ed Rendell's desk that could humble Philadelphia's ambitions began 19 months ago as a proposal drafted by lobbyists for telecommunications companies.
Regional and long-distance phone companies, who sell broadband Internet to consumers and businesses, have in recent months intensified a national campaign to quash municipal wireless initiatives like Philadelphia's as dozens of cities and towns have either begun or announced such plans—from San Francisco to Chaska, Minn., to St. Cloud, Fla.
Telecommunications companies are doubly worried because hundreds of other municipalities provide broadband service over cable or telephone lines. "
So what do you think? I know a few of us are from Philadelphia and were looking forward to such a rollout, but would it be fair to the telecommunication's industry?

[PockyBum522]

would dramatically cut into the business of telecommunication companies.
Aww, how sad, the days of the $4 a minute call and $700 phone bill (Both are true) Are numbered. Good riddance.