After 7 years, U puts 'old' Wi-Fi network out to pasture

Article by: STEVE ALEXANDER , Star Tribune
Updated: March 27, 2008 - 10:04 PM

The new wireless Internet system will be 10 times faster than the one it's replacing, showing again the numbing pace of technology.

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peterreganMar. 27, 0810:04 PM

I can't connect downtown. Let's get with the program, and fast. Who is the system serving, the Minnetonka company or the taxpayers of Minneapolis?

CanthMar. 27, 0811:53 PM

Solar powered Wi Fi great Idea. the execution was way MESSED up though.

MHMar. 28, 0812:15 AM

Local government should not be providing Wi-Fi (or trying to, as the case may be). Let private sector compete to provide the best level of service and be responsible for maintaining upgrades to remain competitive. Local government should be providing/maintaining basic city services like police, fire, roads, sewer and water.

jamesblumMar. 28, 08 7:03 AM

Minneapolis city government DOES NOT provide wi-fi service. It purchases services from a private entity, USI Wireless, who also provides wi-fi service to local residents (if you're located in precisely the right spot for connectivity, have a Ruckus antenna, don't live in a stucco house and don't mind slower than advertised speeds snd frequent outages). The City of Minneapolis does not control, maintain or administer the wi-fi network -- USIW does (more or less).

pastabirdMar. 28, 08 7:46 AM

I recall when local government switched to computers, touting how it would save the taxpayers millions in wages. Seems like it created another set of employees and those are higher paid. It sounds like the same criteria when applied to wireless. Technology is a never ending upgrade.

jmac8088Mar. 28, 08 9:56 AM

Some people sound down on technology being used by cities or municipalities. I for one love being able to go online and get information that 15 years ago I would have had to call or go in person to get. Paying bills online vs. sending in a check to pay is another example of the nice progress. Yes, there is always a progression, and some people need to be hired to support the infrastructure, but we are still better off than we were in 1990.

bob12345Mar. 28, 0810:36 AM

"I recall when local government switched to computers, touting how it would save the taxpayers millions in wages. Seems like it created another set of employees and those are higher paid. It sounds like the same criteria when applied to wireless. Technology is a never ending upgrade." Yes, email stinks, let's start cutting down trees by going back to paper memos.