By Munir Mandviwalla, Abhijit Jain, Julie Fesenmaier,Jeff Smith, Paul Weinberg, and Greg Meyers

Presented by Andrew Collins

OverviewRecommendations from a set of participants

who were involved in an expert group set up by the Philadelphia (USA) Mayor’s office.

The recommendations are provided as stages which should be used as a framework for other municipalities who want to create an MWN.

Why MWN?The technology is hereIt’s cheap! $40,000-74,000 sq/mile

A single Zebra Crossing costs £114,000 (Telegraph)

Private corporations only want profitCertain populations will never get Internet

Municipalities have the assets (street/traffic lights)

Cuts cost as entertainment and telephone could merge

Stages

GoalsReduce/Remove the “Digital Divide”Cut costs by providing municipal services

electronicallyOn-demand information for tourists

Maps, Tourist Information, etc.Boost participation in political processes

Debates, e-Voting, informationPre-built network infrastructure for

businessesHotels, Cafes, Pubs, etc.

StakeholdersState or City GovernmentMunicipal ServicesUnderserved/

Disadvantaged IndividualsCommunity ResidentsLocal Tourist IndustrySmall and start-up

businessesLarge and mid-sized

corporationsTelecoms and ISPsNon-profit and community

groups

Utility / Transportation / Health care

Higher EducationPublic SchoolsOutside the municipality

PolicyWhy should government get involved in

“luxury” services? Internet is necessity!

Current ISP’s are not happy!Unfair competitionDisruptive technology

ISP’s are not aloneMobile Phone networksEntertainment networks

ApplicationsFree/Cheap Internet AccessBackup communication network

Emergency ServicesCheap telephone (VOIP)

What can’t you do with ubiquitous Internet access?

Wireless TechnologyWi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b, g, n)Wireless Mesh Network (IEEE 802.11s)WiMax (IEEE 802.16)

Upgrade as technology improves

Management and Funding

Management and Funding IIPrivate MunicipalitySocial aspects not

importantMay cancel the projectMay be more expensive

No risk to municipalityExperienced

Bad reputation for project management and technology failure

Victim of politics

Social aspects are important

Easier to manage

Implementing the MWNIt could fail!

Users are simply not interestedUsers lack the resources to take advantage

Marketing and Education campaign requiredBoost trust in an MWNResolve computer literacy issues

ConclusionSocial advocates see a cheap project that could

have a huge impact

Technologists see the amazing potential of ubiquitous Internet Access

Civic leaders see opportunity to boost image of municipality

Entrepreneurs see profitable opportunity in a new industry

Questions?Any questions?