Muni Wi-Fi: Another One Bites the Dust?

The future of Riverside (CA)’s Wi-Fi network remains undecided after a contentious discussion during a Jan. 28 City Council meeting.

Chief Innovation Officer Lea Deesing presented a summary of the network’s history, which dates back to 2006, along with the costs of several options the city has going forward. Deesing recommended “winding down” the existing network and focusing new Wi-Fi efforts on more high-use areas. The City Council, however, had concerns about costs and possible lapses in service, while several residents shared concerns that their neighborhoods have no other way to access the Internet. The one thing everyone agreed on was that the people want Internet access -- the problem is finding a cost-effective solution that makes good on Riverside’s promise to provide Internet to the people