Wireless In Mission Viejo?

I stopped over at my buddy Frank Ury's blog to see what's happening. As readers know, Frank is the Mayor Pro Tem of Mission Viejo.

Yesterday, Frank posted a response to  consitutent's misconception about a potential city-wide WiFi network:

Frank: I already have internet at my house, which I pay for with Cox. So why should the city spend money to provide me with something I already have. If you have that much extra money, why not refund it to the taxpayers instead of thinking of unnecessary ways to spend it.

Answer: The city is not going to spend money to bring wireless internet to your home. The Council is reviewing the applications from several vendors to provide the SERVICE to the residents of Mission Viejo as an alternative to other carriers. The goal is to give consumers the choice of which internet provider to use by expanding the number of companies competing for your business. The city will evaluate the proposals and and may eventually grant easements for the equipment to be installed. The carriers will then compete for your business.

No cost to the city, thanks for the question. Frank.

Anaheim has paved the way for a free market approach to city-wide WiFi systems, and my hunch is the entire county will be de facto wireless within a few short years.

Comments

[William Fitzgerald]

Jeff Flint representing Earthlink, and with his associate Curt Pringle being the Mayor of Anaheim, the residents of Anaheim got screwed on the wireless deal.

[Jubal]

William:

Since you unfailingly get your facts wrong regarding municipal wireless -- such as your repeated and incorrect assertion that Fullerton has free city-wide WiFi -- it is impossible to take you seriously on this issue.