http://audio.sxsw.com/podcast/interactive/panels/2008/SXSW08.INT.20080311.TakeMunicipalWiFiBack.mp3 San Francisco. Chicago. Philadelphia. The list of governments that have tried and failed top-down municipal wireless projects around the country includes some of our nation s largest and most influential cities. But is municipal WiFi therefore consigned to the dustbin, destined to fail wherever it s tried? Take Municipal WiFi Back will take an in-depth look at the viability of municipal WiFi networks around the country and whether top-down or emerging grassroots networks are best equipped to handle this pressing issue. As broadband adoption grows and millions of WiFi hotspots pop up around the country, companies like FON are leveraging the strength of community WiFi to help build viable wireless solutions for major cities around the world. Grassroots approaches to WiFi have focused on leaving the bureaucracy behind, but face challenges in terms of expanding their reach and gaining momentum. Top-down municipal networks promise ubiquitous coverage but have run up against formidable barriers concerning cost of construction, cost of maintenance, and implementation. Both have a goal of eliminating unlawful WiFi piggybacking that opens up millions of Internet surfers to dangerous invasions of their personal privacy. Stop by this panel to find out the latest about attempts to bring safe, secure and ubiquitous WiFi coverage to our cities. Joanna Rees CEO of FON USA, FON Rich MacKinnon Pres, Austin Wireless City Project Esme Vos Founder, Muniwireless.com Silona Bonewald Founder, League of Technical Voters Spencer Ante Department Editor, BusinessWeek
