Comments on: Star Tribune on Muni WiFi: FUD or Just Wrong?

By: J Wynia

J Wynia — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:38:09 +0000

I agree about the transfer rate thing. I’ve got 4 computers at home that use wireless as their primary internet connection and it’s amazing how crappy the speed can get when they are all active.

Unfortunately, at $20 the muni wifi is also expensive as an insurance policy. I’ve been using my cellphone as my backup connection for several years by cable or bluetooth. I’ve never paid more than $10/mo for unlimited data and it works anywhere I get reception, not just in one city. It’s not lightning fast, but, like you said, for email, etc. it gets the job done.

By: Garrick Van Buren

Garrick Van Buren — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:52:16 +0000

Aaron, many thanks.

I would have been surprised if the answer was anything else.

By: Aaron Landry

Aaron Landry — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:40:37 +0000

Crossposted to MNspeak…

From someone at city hall who did some legwork for me on this issue: “If you have a wireless card, it will be compatible. For home use, if you have a wireless card you’re good to go. If you have nothing, you will need to buy a modem.”

I also reviewed some PDFs that were exchanged between US Internet and the City and they never fully explain it… just that US Internet can provide wireless equipment to customers on a buy or lease basis.

They are “talking about it in committee right now.” (3:35pm)

-Aaron