The term "wireless" means too many damn things. In this item news item from Wireless-World@yahoogroups.com :
A glut of 5.8 GHz gear hits the market, hotspot pioneerWayport continues to
aggressively sell its services, and ClearSKY Networks launches high-speed
wireless Internet service in a six-block hotzone.
http://www.80211-planet.com/news/article/0,,1481_1469131,00.html
the 5.8 GHz gear referred is a Canopy-like product that brings internet to the home wirelessly, at which point the connection from the home to the computer is up for grabs. (Could be ethernet cable, could be wifi...) . In contrast, Wayport uses wires (DSL in fact) to bring internet to the end-site; what's wireless is the wifi connection to the end-users computer. And what about this: "ClearSKY Networks launches high-speed wireless Internet service in a six-block hotzone" ?
ClearSKY's Clemson project provides inside and outside coverage across six city blocks and numerous apartment complexes. Expansion is already underway. The company anticipates that demand for wireless Internet usage will skyrocket among many of the city's 12,000 residents and 17,000 full-time students.
Headquartered in Clemson, ClearSKY Networks is expanding its current operation there. Long-range plans include providing wireless service to other cities throughout the southern United States.
...ClearSKY Networks is poised to bring to your residence or small business the same power, speed, and flexibility of a high speed corporate network. In addition, ClearSKY uses the latest in 802.11 technology at a cost well below DSL or Cable.
And how are they positioning it?
Mobile - With ClearSKY, you can take your high speed connection with you throughout your community. ClearSKY community networks are designed for customers on the go. Students and professionals will enjoy the ability to stay connected not only in their residence, but on campus, the business district, and other areas all around town.
I think "untethered mobility" is what consumers and communities mean when they ask about wireless internet. Point-to-multipoint vendors better make it that the wireless "multi-point to endpoint" connections are not bundled into what they are selling. Otherwise, they'll be accused of bait and switch.
Of course, the right approach, in my view, is for point-to-multi-point vendors to bundle wifi right in, and adopt a pricing model that promotes, encourages and profits when end-users share their wfi access points.
10:39:35 AM 
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