Plug Me In

There is a wireless technology evolution that is moving across the globe. Many of you may not find this information as a revelation, but I am not talking about wireless devices that seem to be everywhere. I am referring to the technology that allows them to be wireless, Wi-Fi networks. You are probably thinking, this isn’t news either; I have a wireless network at home or at work. Well, I’m speaking of a wireless network that covers an entire city or county.
Although I would love to take credit for this idea, but it is not my own and cities around the world have implemented or are in the process of implementing citywide Wi-Fi networks. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Wi-Fi networks, they can allow devices to connect to a network or the Internet. Some of the technophobes who read this article may be saying big deal, and you’re right. It is a big deal.
A citywide Wi-Fi network would allow anyone within the coverage area to have access to broadband Internet use. I believe that this could be a good thing for Tucson. It offers opportunity on multiple levels. Low-income citizens would have access to broadband Internet at home. This could provide educational benefits for children and parents alike. From a business perspective, it will allow companies to become more efficient by taking advantage of technological advances that facilitate multi-tasking the various aspects of business. Theoretically, this should induce economic growth.
Detractors will argue that a city wide Wi-Fi network will be detrimental to local companies that offer internet service, will cost the city to much money, or that it is not needed. For those companies that offer internet service and are concerned with the impact that a city wide Wi-Fi network would have on their business, I would say take a lesson from the bottled water industry. Although there are water fountains just about everywhere, people still purchase bottled water. Look at this as an opportunity to up your game by expanding your services and adjusting your prices.
For those that are concerned with the cost of deploying such a project, I say look at it as an investment. Citywide Wi-Fi networks are most certainly the path that future technology will take. We should invest in it now instead of waiting to play catch up later. We tried that with our roadways and we know how that turned out. As far as Wi-Fi networks not being needed, reread the last three sentences. Computers, technology, and the Internet are to this generation what the telephone was to the generation of a century ago. Technology must proliferate in the same manner in which telephones proliferated. Each town went from having one phone at the general store to each household having phone service. Tucson should follow the lead of larger cities such as Philadelphia, New York, and others in exploring the establishment of a citywide Wi-Fi network. The benefits outweigh the risks. Welcome to the 21st century.