InformationWeek's Rob Preston today takes a look at the economic and logistical challenges inherent in making citywide Wi-Fi work.

The political battles over metro Wi-Fi, Preston says, are secondary to the economic issues. "If the economics of rolling out thousands of access points in congested cities prove compelling, critics don't have much of a case," he writes. "But if the economics break down because these networks perform poorly or don't scale efficiently, metro Wi-Fi doesn't have a political or social leg to stand on."

And the economics vary depending on the area. In rural and suburban areas where there isn't much wireline broadband available, Preston says, there's a strong case for Wi-Fi. "But in places that aren't Podunk small like Chaska or tortilla flat like Tempe, the potential for radio interference and signal degradation can't be ignored," he writes.

In addition, because the technology is still being developed, cities risk Locking themselves into outdated or pre-standard systems. "Big city Wi-Fi may very well be the real deal, but a few intrepid municipalities may have to make some costly mistakes before we know for sure," Preston writes.