I wrote recently on the potential of combining wide area municipal wi-fi networks and VoIP. The US telcos, seeing the threat, have been lobbying vigorously against these networks. Now, news from eWeek that Philadelphia is set to announce its plans for expansion. Money quote:
Neff said Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street will announce the wireless business plan Feb. 9 at the city’s Independence Center. The plan will call for construction of the citywide network to begin midyear 2005 and finish by the end of summer 2006, Neff said. When completed, the network will cover about 135 square miles, she said.
"Our goal is to cover the entire city of Philadelphia with wireless broadband access at low rates so every person, business and visitor will have an opportunity have access to wireless broadband anywhere in the city," Neff said. She added that Philadelphia is on track to become what she called a "digital city," and that ubiquitous wireless broadband would enhance the city’s economy.