Worldwide deployments of municipal wireless networks for public Internet access will continue at a rapid pace over the next few years, with the U.S. leading the way.
Clearly, many American community leaders are deeply concerned about the nation falling behind in broadband service global deployment rankings, and they consider this setback as a direct threat to their local economic development efforts.
The total worldwide market will reach 248 deployments by the end of 2006, and will grow to over 1,500 by the end of 2010, according to In-Stat.
"Most networks are not entirely owned and operated by local governments," says Daryl Schoolar, an analyst with the high-tech market research firm. "The trend has the local government facilitating deployment, but having a private sector provider owning and operating the network."
In-Stat's study found the following:
- The U.S. is, and will remain, the largest market for muni-wireless networks for public access.
- While mesh technology plays a key role in muni-wireless, it isn't the only wireless technology deployed.
- To be successful, municipalities and service providers need to first concentrate on their business model, not the network technology.
Clearly, many American community leaders are deeply concerned about the nation falling behind in broadband service global deployment rankings, and they consider this setback as a direct threat to their local economic development efforts.
The total worldwide market will reach 248 deployments by the end of 2006, and will grow to over 1,500 by the end of 2010, according to In-Stat.
"Most networks are not entirely owned and operated by local governments," says Daryl Schoolar, an analyst with the high-tech market research firm. "The trend has the local government facilitating deployment, but having a private sector provider owning and operating the network."
In-Stat's study found the following:
- The U.S. is, and will remain, the largest market for muni-wireless networks for public access.
- While mesh technology plays a key role in muni-wireless, it isn't the only wireless technology deployed.
- To be successful, municipalities and service providers need to first concentrate on their business model, not the network technology.