An article entitled 'Wi-Pie in the Sky?' in the current issue of the Economist, by Wi-Fi Networking News' Glenn Fleishman (the jig is up, apparently, even though the Economist doesn't usually have bylines...), looks at the technical challenges behind implementing citywide Wi-Fi networks. Fleishman spoke to wireless experts and industry insiders about issues of interference, standardization -- and, of course, politics.


Accessing the article through the Economist's Web site requires a subscription, but at Wi-Fi Networking News, Fleishman gives a quick summary of his findings: "Tropos appears somewhat in the bullseye because their gear will be used in the most difficult urban networks currently planned; Strix and NeoReach have deployed networks in Tempe, Ariz., and BelAir elsewhere with simpler topography and much lower density. Philadelphia's density is more than five times higher on average than Tempe, but that belies areas in which Philly might have dozens of times the density. (Tempe's densest region is the university with tens of thousands of students, but also greater access to facilities when the network is fully extended to campus.)"