What is MWN?

My research discovered the rise of Municipal Wireless Networks (MWN). MWN is defined as a wireless Internet access network that is created with active local leadership and involvement (Fesenmaier, Jain, Mandiwalla, Meyers, Smith, Weinberg, 2008). MWN projects have been spreading throughout the United States; anywhere from In Operation locations like Philadelphia, PA to Under Construction locations taking place in Downstate New York (Farivar, 2008). MWNs are seen as a feasible alternative to Internet access. They are also becoming convenient for travelers/tourists.

Currently, there are many cities in the U.S. that have begun and/or are considering setting up MWNs. Some MWNs can be accessed for free or as a lower cost alternative than that of broadband services. While others are to be used by the city only; meaning that law enforcement, emergency services, etc. can only access it.

You can visit the following link to see where MWN projects are taking place nationwide.
http://news.cnet.com/Municipal-broadband-and-wireless-projects-map/2009-1034_3-5690287.html


References:

CNet News. (2005). Municipal Broadband nationwide. CNet News.com. Retrieved on June 25, 2008 from http://news.cnet.com/Municipal-broadband-and-wireless-projects-map/2009-1034_3-5690287.html

Farivar, Cyrus. (2008, March). The United States of America. Free municipal Wi-Fi has hit the streets, but mostly in cities you’ve never heard of. Wired, 16(3): 42-43.

Fesenmaier, Julie., Jain, Abhijit., Mandiwalla, Munir., Meyers, Gregory S., Smith, Jeffrey W., Weinberg, Paul. (2008, February). Municipal Broadband Wireless Networks. Communications of the ACM, Vol 51(2):72-80. Pace University Henry Birnbaum Library. Retrieved June 22, 2008 from ACM Digital Library.