Right before the World Congress on Information Technology commenced last week, Austin mayor Will Wynn pushed a big white button in front of a coffee shop downtown, and 28 wifi access points gave access to an area extending from Town Lake on the south to 7th Street on the north, and from Lamar Boulevard on the west to I-35 on the east. That’s nearly 18 blocks by 6 blocks, we’re talking about 108 square city blocks of wireless access. Yet another great reason to call Austin home. Here’s the news story, Downtown wifi network goes live. In June, the network expands to East Austin, and in July, Zilker Park will join in.
I wonder what sort of service level they’ve agreed to for this network. Apparently Google’s Mountain View Wifi efforts hit a snag, requiring installation of more access points. I know from hearing about wireless installs at the dinner table that thick concrete walls, strange valley and rock formations, and even bushy trees can make for a touchy network. Sure hope the Zilker Park additions are well-designed and architected as there are plenty of interesting rocks, trees, and waterways there. Are customers more lenient about wireless access than “regular” network access?