Could The Recession Rekindle Momentum and Need for Public Wi-Fi Networks?

Last night, as I flicked through channels trying to find something to watch on my over sized flat screen, I ran across a new NetZero commercial. Yes, that NetZero, of the dial-up kind. It seems that as the recession kicks into high gear, the need for alternate or legacy internet connectivity has revived, somewhat, those pesky ISP's Earthlink and NetZero. End-users consumers are either trading down from broadband to save money or delaying their move to high-speed services.

Last month, EarthLink began pitching "Connect for Less," an offering that pushes dial-up service for $7.95 a month, or about 25 cents a day. In December, NetZero introduced a $9.95-a-month plan. Both providers are marketing the offerings as a way to save money.

Historically, one of the obstacles in deploying Muni-WiFi networks has been public support. Amist the recessionary cloud perhaps there is a sliver lining. Although the efforts of EarthLink and NetZero reflects an economic down-turn, in the same breath the market for dial-up services is still declining. EarthLink's dial-up business lost 173,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter in 2008 , while NetZero lost 86,000 subscribers. With the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the publics need of getting something a little quicker then dial-up, and the publics need to pay a little less to log on, this may be the right time to re-introduce or implement that Wi-Fi Mesh network.

There may never be a better time for Municipalities, Goverment Agencies and local Business District to gain public support (and funds) on WiFi deployments then now...

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
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