A humorus and insightful perspective from an RFP participant
Left at the GoogleWiFi Altar
by Carlos A Rios
He was indeed a charmer, the big fella from down the Peninsula. Just a few months of secret courtship and then, a very public marriage proposal. The news burst across the society pages: “Google and San Francisco, the Wedding of the Century!” and “A Marriage Made in Heaven! Free WiFi Internet for everyone!” The press worldwide was abuzz, other belles (Houston, and soon perhaps Silicon Valley and Chicago) rushed to announce similar nuptials, and the bride’s family giddily anticipated the wonders to come. Google, the idol of the information age, would bear their baby across the threshold of Digital Nirvana.
The progressive and media-savvy family promptly announced they would of course entertain proposals of matrimony from others as well, but only until a certain mid-winter date so to not compromise the gala June wedding plans. But to the amazement of all, that date came and the G-man was nowhere to be found. Although six other suitors did profess their intentions, the family fell into despair- What? No GoogleWiFi cloud over the City, bestowing wireless Internet everywhere betwixt the Breakers and the Bay? WHY did he disappear? That CAD!
Rumors were rife, and sources recount this exchange between the star crossed lovers in their last known joint public appearance: “Sweetheart, look in the paper. Free GoogleWiFi over 95% of city streets and open space, and 90% of the rooms on all floors of all San Francisco’s buildings”. “But darling, all I offered was 1500 lightpole hotspots”. “Yes, dear, isn’t it just WONDERFUL?” The lad left town that evening.
And the scandal widened- “I’m carrying his love-child!” wailed the anguished bride not to be. And it was true, “universal and affordable broadband wireless Internet for all San Franciscans” was a commitment that MUST be kept, regardless of the groom. Authorities responding to the missing persons report discovered a farewell note: “I must take leave, my dearest, but wed EarthLink and I WILL pay for the child's upkeep.”
Said suitor was summoned and his proposal scrutinized, but the family knowledgeable quickly detected his shortcomings: Free (Google-funded) WiFi, yes, but NO Internet 4 Everyone, NO Digital Inclusion funding, questionable Privacy- not nearly the knight in shining armor slayer of the Digital Divide Dragon to which they had been yearning to become related. But what to do? Six had answered the call, one had to be chosen, so EarthLink was annointed. And so things stand today.
What now? If a San Francisco WiFi network contract is indeed to be awarded, the contracted Network Operator, be it ultimately EarthLink or some other entity, MUST deliver on the fundamental TechConnect promise of Free AND Universal San Francisco WiFi Internet.
First, this means TRUE 95% outdoor and 90% indoor coverage, which is simply not possible with EarthLink’s currently proposed 1500 node outdoor WiFi Mesh. Estimates of actual coverage from said network run as low as 30% outside and 10% inside, meaning perhaps only 1 in 5 San Franciscans would get their free WiFi. Fortunately, however, solutions for true universal coverage DO exist. The Network Operator simply MUST commit to deploying such a solution throughout San Francisco.
Second, said Operator MUST commit to a guaranteed level of funding for community Digital Inclusion programs. We all know that Internet access is necessary but NOT sufficient, as critical portions of the San Francisco community also need hardware and training to succeed in this brave new digital age, and computers and classes ONLY come about with cash.
And, finally, San Francisco DTIS MUST resolutely negotiate a contractual guarantee on BOTH these issues. If EarthLink is not up to the task, then a willing alternate Network Operator must be engaged.
We’ve come a long way since the first sweet nothings were whispered into the bedazzled belle’s ear. Let’s not have the time and efforts of so many go to waste.
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Carlos Rios is President of nextWLAN Corporation, one of the six bidders on the San Francisco WiFi Network. nextWLAN proposed a comprehensive outdoor and indoor universal coverage TechConnect solution.