Actually, the contract calls for much more than 500K up front; it includes 5% of pre-tax revenues for 10 years, free accounts for up to 100 non-profits, and a free level of service to all residents (civic garden websites).
Also, the current wireless network being developed does not in any way prevent the City from continuing to build out it's fiber network, actually, expanding that network is part of the deal with the vendor. The City owns this fiber network, so it will offer great benefit to city institutional users, residents and businesses alike.
It's not either fiber or wireless, it's fiber and wireless. In our case, low cost wireless simply came first because it is affordable, do-able and greatly needed by public safety and low-income residents.
Minneapolis Community Benefits
Actually, the contract calls for much more than 500K up front; it includes 5% of pre-tax revenues for 10 years, free accounts for up to 100 non-profits, and a free level of service to all residents (civic garden websites).
Also, the current wireless network being developed does not in any way prevent the City from continuing to build out it's fiber network, actually, expanding that network is part of the deal with the vendor. The City owns this fiber network, so it will offer great benefit to city institutional users, residents and businesses alike.
It's not either fiber or wireless, it's fiber and wireless. In our case, low cost wireless simply came first because it is affordable, do-able and greatly needed by public safety and low-income residents.