Five major US cities are hoping to offer free wireless internet service to the public. Under the Unwire Portland campaign, the Oregon city plans to cover 95% of the city, including outdoors, with wireless access. Boston wants public WiFi by the end of next year, Philadelphia wants to cover 135 square miles by the end of 2007, Corpus Christi, Texas already has 75 square miles covered, and since 2006, residents of Tempe, Arizona have had access to wireless for a monthly fee of $24.95.
Imagine lounging under the shade of a lakeside Willow tree in the summer, surfing the web for what's hot. You could keep on top of all the latest and greatest from Trend Hunter without sacrificing any outdoor time. When you wander to the shore to dip your toes in the water, remember to throw your laptop in your Picard Solar Bag for a quick recharge!
Wireless At The Park
Cities Get Public Wireless
Trend Themes
1. Public Wireless Internet - The trend of major cities offering free wireless internet service to the public presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the development of new wireless technologies and infrastructure.
2. Citywide Wifi Coverage - The trend of cities aiming to cover large areas with WiFi access creates opportunities for disruption in the wireless networking industry, including the development of faster and more reliable wireless technologies.
3. Outdoor Wireless Access - The trend of cities expanding wireless access to outdoor spaces opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the development of rugged, weather-resistant wireless devices and infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - The telecommunications industry can seize disruptive innovation opportunities by developing new wireless technologies and infrastructure to support the trend of public wireless internet.
2. Technology Hardware - The technology hardware industry can capitalize on disruptive innovation opportunities by creating faster, more reliable wireless networking devices to support the trend of citywide WiFi coverage.
3. Outdoor Equipment - The outdoor equipment industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by developing rugged, weather-resistant wireless devices and accessories to cater to the trend of outdoor wireless access.