Details on San Francisco's Free Wifi 80
FrenchSilk writes to mention that the San Francisco Chronicle has more details on the previously discussed Earthlink/Google municipal wifi project. The paper confirms that free access will be free to everyone, with higher bandwidth and more reliable tiers also available. The article touches on a number of related subjects, such as security, reliability, and privacy. From the article: "Recognizing the concerns expressed by electronic privacy advocates and community members, the City has negotiated an Agreement that addresses the privacy needs of our residents, negotiating terms stronger than any other City and incorporating protections that go far beyond what federal, state or local law requires. EarthLink and the provider of the free service will be required to fully disclose their privacy policy. This ensures that all users are aware of the privacy policies."
Wifi (Score:5, Informative)
I do like the following things, though: Network neutrality. The City has required that EarthLink adhere to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) principles of internet freedom to address any potential for abuse of consumers or retail service providers. Non exclusivity: The agreement provides access to the City's right of way and facilities on a competitively neutral and non discriminatory basis. Nothing will prevent additional Wi-Fi providers from deploying similar networks should they desire to do so. Open Access: The agreement ensures that all internet service providers, including our local businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, will be able to provide commercial services without fear of a local monopoly. The City is not granting an exclusive franchise; rather, the City has negotiated an Agreement that provides the foundation for competition.
Privacy "agreement" (Score:4, Informative)
Read carefully folks!
Re:Wifi (Score:3, Informative)
Of course, these are early reports, so I'll believe that when I see it.
As far as the system knowing whether you've paid, that'll probably work much like it does at Starbucks or wherever. The difference here is that your credentials will be used to adjust some rate-limiting on a router somewhere I guess.
Re:Low Income (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Free to non-residents? (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Low Income (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Low Income (Score:2, Informative)
At the same time though I've found that the majority of other basic living expenses (e.g. food) tend to be roughly equivalent to what I was paying previously. I've only lived here for a few months and while things are more expensive in general, in my experience most basic services are only slightly higher if at all.