Response from: The-Know    (05/17/08 4:30am)

There are municipal networks that work quite well today. These networks are not based on the business models of MetroFi and Earthlink. There are other business models that have worked well. For public safety and other strategic initiatives these municipal networks serve critical needs. WiFi is a required component due to end-user compatibility today, higher bandwidth delivered to concentrated areas via WiFi etc.

MetroFi's concept should have failed before it even started. The advertising model was dead years and years ago, but MetroFi's plan was to "stick it' to the cities after the network was built, requiring the city to make higher payments or the network would be shutdown.

It's providers like MetroFi with they're bad business model that has helped to screw up the municipal wifi market. The Earthlink business model for philadelphia was certainly different than MetroFi, but Earthlinks equipment choice cost five to ten times more in terms of equipment and required three to five times in terms of operational costs related to the networ backhaul.

Oh and... the idea that WiMAX is fill everyones needs is rediculous.