Found this presentation I did in 2006. Interesting looking back now and seeing how much of it still applies today.

1. A business case for Municipal
wireless networks
Evert Bopp, CEO, Wimax EU Ltd.

2. Looking back
 Internet access used to be fixed to
location.
 Internet access was a business,
government & educational tool.
 Internet access was “added value”.

3. Now
 Internet access is becoming more & more
mobile (GPRS, WiFi, HSDA, Wimax etc.).
 Internet access has become a social &
economical driving force.
 Internet access has become an essential
service.
 Internet usage becomes service & device
driven.

4. How to meet this need/demand?
 Networks owned & operated by local
governments (public service networks)?
 Networks owned by local governments but
operated by private companies
(public/private partnerships)?
 Networks owned and operated by private
companies (free-market/private)?

5. Public service network
For:
 Access provided by a public body for the public.
 Vendor/provider neutral (net neutrality).
 Non-commercial provider, “bridging the digital divide” etc.
 Easy access to physical municipal assets for equipment placement.
 Internet access “on-demand” becomes a part of the offered utilities.

6. Public service network
Against:
 Public entity operating in the private/free market (legislation etc.)
 Lack of knowledge to build & operate network.
 Lack of funding.
 Creation of wireless hotzone “islands”.

7. Public/Private partnership
For:
 Build and operated by an entity with established track-record.
 Part public ownership ensures “net neutrality”, prevents
monopolisation (a network for the people by the people).
 Provision of services that pure private sector entities would not
consider profitable.
 Internet access “on-demand” becomes a part of the offered utilities.

8. Public/Private partnership
Against:
 Public entity operating in the private/free market (legislation etc.).
 Conflict of interest between public & private entities might
destabilize.
 Requirements of a public entity might slow down network growth.

9. Private/free market
For:
 Quicker to discover and exploit opportunities.
 Faster to adapt to technological changes.
 More competitive with competing services & technologies.

10. Private/free market
Against:
 Profit driven.
 Might monopolise the market/network.

11. Show me the money!
 Muni-wireless will exceed $400 million by 2007.
 200+ networks in the USA.
 In Europe; Norfolk, UK, Paris issued RFP etc.

12. Show me the money!
So where does the money come from?
 Internet access.
 Location based advertising.
 Online applications & services (VOIP, IPTV, online backup, social &
business networking).
 3rd party access (emergency services, utility services, CCTV
monitoring etc.).

13. Other benefits
 Stimulating effect on local economy (teleworking, companies
promoting their services & products via a digital medium).
 Educational use ( the internet is the worlds largest library).
 Opportunity for non-profit & charities to promote their activities via
the network (portal site).
 Attract new investment to the town/city (good economical
development potential).

14. Conclusion
 The demand is only growing (wifi enabled
laptops, pda’s & phones).
 Technology is available (WiFi, Wimax, Mesh).
 The services are only increasing (web 2.0, IPTV,
VOIP etc.).
 “Social responsibility”: Internet access needs to
be made available to everyone.
 First in the market will reap the benefits.