Nine More Municipal Wi-Fi Networks Slated For Closing

MetroFi once had big plans for Portland, Ore., as it intended to cover the city’s 134 square miles with an ambitious ad-supported deployment.

The municipal Wi-Fi meltdown is continuing as MetroFi reported that it plans to vacate the muni Wi-Fi field. The company has Wi-Fi networking deals with nine cities, including Portland, Ore., its flagship operation.

The company’s chief executive, Chuck Haas, announced Friday MetroFi’s decision to sell the networks or, if there are no buyers, then to close the networks down.

By W. David Gardner
InformationWeek

Full Story: http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/muni/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207801062

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Muni Wi-Fi Deathwatch Heralds Wide-Area Wireless Rebirth

Troubles at MetroFi and EarthLink are leaving business needs open for collaborations from companies like Sprint and Clearwire as well as deployments by Verizon and AT&T.

By Richard Martin
InformationWeek

With the news that MetroFi is seeking to unload its municipal wireless networks and sell itself to a larger and more stable company, what was once a shakeout has turned into a rout.

Full Story: http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/muni/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207801073