July 6, 2007

Muni Wi-Fi Networks' Uncertain Consumer ROI

Most Consumers Haven't Tried Public Wireless Internet Access Yet

by Sally M. Cohen

with Charles S. Golvin, April Lawson

Executive Summary (This is a document excerpt)

With the proliferation of municipal wireless projects — including city- or county-wide networks, hotspots in downtown areas, and connected mass transit vehicles — public Wi-Fi access is making a full-blown play for the mainstream consumer. But consumer adoption of Wi-Fi remains tied to the home network: Today, 76% of Wi-Fi users say that they've used wireless Internet at home, 26% at work, and only 5% at a park or other outdoor space. Municipalities — and their service provider and nonprofit partners — targeting consumers with networking projects must be prepared to educate their target subscribers about mobility and Wi-Fi.

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