What Happened?
A new report from Freedman Consulting, LLC, discusses the role of municipal Wi-Fi networks in achieving smarter, more responsive communities. The research highlights Wi-Fi success stories in 11 different cities to showcase the potential impact these projects have on all aspects of society.
The Report
Freeman Consulting, LLC, released a report discussing the many ways community wireless networks promote growth in business districts, enhance digital equality and enable digital sensor capabilities to launch smarter cities. The 11 cities evaluated in the write-up illustrate how municipalities are using wireless networks to:
- Strengthen business districts
- Increase internet access for residents
- Improve services for smarter local government
The results of the research found three categories of best practices for other municipalities to consider:
Community and Network Goals
-Achieve consensus on objectives
-Consider the competitive environment
-Gather information from other communities
-Reflect on city needs
Implementation
-Use existing infrastructure where possible
-Start with a pilot project
-Ensure adequate backhaul
-Consider the wired-to-mesh node ratio
-Leverage the network
-Invest for the long term
Administration
-Adopt a sound business model
-Work collaboratively with partners
Teamwork
Next Century Cities is a city-to-city collaborative of about 90 communities nationwide working together to provide all residents with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet connectivity. Each participating city has a unique approach to implementing a Wi-Fi program - some calling for public-private partnerships, others creating municipally-owned networks. The cities test their strategies, document performance and share outcomes with other municipalities to develop best practices and learn from each other’s mistakes. Furthermore, the collaboration offers local governments with the tools, resources and expert guidance to develop effective broadband networks.
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