Hey Mayor White! Thanks for Finally Listening to Me!

by | May 22, 2006 | Community Circle, Tecknowledgy

Foresight is keener than hindsight … at least with the city of Houston!
A few months ago when I began writing this blog, I urged the city of Houston and the surrounding area to make the technology investment that would enable true WiFi – wireless access in public parks and other areas where Houstonians do business.
Now – some three months later – the Houston Chronicle reports that Mayor White is finally addressing this situation. In an article called “When the Mayor Types, People Listen,” the mayor was quoted:

“We are a massive technology user,” White said of Houston, “but a lot of people don’t think of us that way.” With a wireless network in place, Houston would take in big step in enhancing its image as a tech-savvy town, he said.

The mayor conducted a press conference outside while using a wireless network in order to demonstrate WiFi potential. In an amusing side note, hackers were breaking into the city’s network preventing the mayor from getting online right away.
Of course, the cost is enormous. The Chronicle reports it will cost $30 million to $50 million when the project would be completed — sometime in 2007 or 2008. It will stretch 600 square miles.
I have a simple question for Mayor White and the city: Why does it take so long to have a simple idea considered and adopted that I put out there back when we launched the blog?

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