By Munir Mandviwalla, Abhijit Jain, Julie Fesenmaier, Jeff Smith, Paul Weinberg, and Greg Meyers Presented by Andrew Collins

Overview Recommendations 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 here It’s cheap! $40,000-74,000 sq/mile A single Zebra Crossing costs £114,000 (Telegraph) Private corporations only want profit Certain populations will never get Internet Municipalities have the assets (street/traffic lights) Cuts cost as entertainment and telephone could merge

Stages

Goals Reduce/Remove the “Digital Divide” Cut costs by providing municipal services electronically On-demand information for tourists Maps, Tourist Information, etc. Boost participation in political processes Debates, e-Voting, information Pre-built network infrastructure for businesses Hotels, Cafes, Pubs, etc.

Stakeholders State or City Government Municipal Services Underserved/Disadvantaged Individuals Community Residents Local Tourist Industry Small and start-up businesses Large and mid-sized corporations Telecoms and ISPs Non-profit and community groups Utility / Transportation / Health care Higher Education Public Schools Outside the municipality

Policy Why should government get involved in “luxury” services? Internet is necessity! Current ISP’s are not happy! Unfair competition Disruptive technology ISP’s are not alone Mobile Phone networks Entertainment networks

Applications Free/Cheap Internet Access Backup communication network Emergency Services Cheap telephone (VOIP) What can’t you do with ubiquitous Internet access?

Wireless Technology Wi-Fi (IEEE b, g, n) Wireless Mesh Network (IEEE s) WiMax (IEEE ) Upgrade as technology improves

Management and Funding

Management and Funding II Private Municipality Social aspects not important May cancel the project May be more expensive No risk to municipality Experienced Bad reputation for project management and technology failure Victim of politics Social aspects are important Easier to manage

Implementing the MWN It could fail! Users are simply not interested Users lack the resources to take advantage Marketing and Education campaign required Boost trust in an MWN Resolve computer literacy issues

Conclusion Social 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?