Despite its Critics, Muni-Wireless Broadband Systems Growing

InStat:worldwide deployments of municipal wireless networks for public Internet access will continue at a rapid pace over the next few years, with the US leading the way. The total worldwide market will reach 248 deployments by the end of 2006, and will grow to over 1,500 by the end of 2010. Most networks are not entirely owned and operated by local governments. The trend has the local government facilitating deployment, but having a private sector provider owning and operating the network.

• The US is, and will remain, the largest market for muni-wireless networks for public access.

• While mesh technology plays a key role in muni-wireless, it isn’t the only wireless technology deployed.

• To be successful, municipalities and service providers need to first concentrate on their business model, not the network technology.

Public Muni-Wireless: The Broadband Alternative Takes Hold Publ 20060920