Tempe has the opportunity to create a constantly connected city with wireless Internet coverage linking homes, businesses, families and city employees in a low-cost alternative to broadband Internet.
Tempe accepted bids in February to create a citywide wireless network -- the first in the state, according to The Arizona Republic. After consideration of all the bids, a recommendation to the City Council is expected by May.
The network would blanket Tempe like a cloud, providing access for students, firefighters and other emergency teams, businesses and homeowners who may or may not have high-speed access in their areas.
At present, residents can connect a wireless router to a high-speed Internet connection to expand their mobility in their homes. But being connected at home is not always enough.
Sure, cafes and other businesses often offer wireless hot spots for free or via subscription, but if you visit more than one location you may be charged for each one.
Though downtown Tempe has a free wireless Internet zone, not every resident lives, works or plays on Mill Avenue. A single wireless network with subscription options across the city would eliminate that problem.
Other municipalities are also considering options that may extend coverage beyond Tempe city limits.
Phoenix may offer coverage in its downtown area, including the ASU downtown campus (where journalism students will soon spend much of their time).
Glendale may follow Tempe and create a citywide network, or may simply offer coverage around the hockey arena. I'd much rather pay attention to the game, but if you are there to report on the game it's nice to have options.
Scottsdale may implement wireless zones in downtown and for emergency personnel such as police officers.
Chandler is also debating a citywide network and has free wireless access in public libraries. Access is also available downtown and may be approved for the civic center.
As a current Cox Communications customer, competition with wireless providers may push the company to improve its customer service. Like many other Valley residents, I found myself on hold for an hour with the company that provides 70 percent of the Valley's high-speed Internet access.
My cell phone bill and over-limit charges that month convinced me that Cox and its tech support are not worth the expense.
The wireless service is expected to cost about $30 per month, almost half the cost of Cox high-speed Internet with a great increase in mobility options for the user.
Carpool passengers could write their term papers while the driver tried to find a spot in Lot 59. Sun worshippers could spend the day at Tempe Town Lake working on their tans -- and their English papers. Parents could spend time outside with their families without sacrificing their professional productivity.
Though Cox has the ability to provide the infrastructure for the project, Tempe residents must be careful not to give the company too much power over this new service for the sake of our pocketbooks, our cell phone minutes and our e-mail.
Audra Baker is a journalism and biology senior who plans to use wireless when she pays off Cox Communications. Reach her at audra.baker@asu.edu.
