New York City is moving ahead with plans to install Wi-Fi networks in 10 of the city's major parks, but a municipal committee is now studying whether it should go after something bigger, like San
Francisco and Philadelphia. The Economic Development Corporation study will examine whether New York really needs a metro-area Wi-Fi network, and will take an in-depth look at the legal, technical,
logistical, and economic challenges associated with such a considerable undertaking. The information comes from a request for proposals released by the city on June 14, but next to no one took notice
until Mayor Michael Bloomberg mentioned it. Central Park, Riverside Park, Prospect Park, Pelham Bay, and Van Cortlandt Parks are among those to receive high-speed Wi-Fi. The proposal for either a
city-wide network or a series of smaller networks is expected by July 21. The request for proposals noted that broadband availability "is already high" in many neighborhoods--but will explore whether
wider access would be possible "at competitive prices," and would help to strengthen the local economy. Dana Spiegel--executive director of NYC Wireless, a local nonprofit group that sets up wireless
networks--said municipal Wi-Fi might not be the solution for New York: "We're a much bigger city and have a much more complicated set of connectivity problems," he said. "It's unclear that municipal
broadband at a citywide level is the solution for New York City."
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