Email to Councillor Coughlin about Municipal Wifi

I'm emailing a local politician about his idea to provide citywide wireless internet access. Here's what I sent him:

Councillor Coughlin: I am writing in response to your suggestion that the City of Quincy pursue citywide wireless internet access. I think that is a terrific idea, and thought I would share some thoughts with you. A company named Meraki, with roots from MIT, has a terrific product for building low-cost wireless networks. They use a new technology called "mesh networking" which allows wireless transmitters to connect to each other using low power radio waves, and retransmit their connectivity to other access points. Their main product, the Meraki Mini, uses only 2.5 watts and costs about $50. They are currently testing their products in a citywide wireless network in San Francisco. I am not affiliated with Meraki in any way other than being a customer. I have one Meraki setup in my apartment in Wollaston, where I share my Comcast Business internet service to the surrounding neighborhood at no charge, as well as two Meraki transmitters at my office in Stoughton, where are also share my Comcast Business internet service to the surrounding office park at tiered service levels, from free for 20 minutes per day, to $27 per month. One idea would be for the City of Quincy to sell Meraki minis to the citizens of Quincy for connecting to the municipal network. These devices would then be able to join, and expand upon a city-owned wireless infrastructure, perhaps installed on top of utility poles. I highly recommend you consider Meraki for your concept. If I can offer any advice or counsel, please feel free to contact me via email. You can also check out a few of my wireless and network related websites: http://www.telecomrebirth.com/ http://www.telecomrebirth.com/blog/meraki/ http://www.telecomrebirth.com/blog/the-impact-of-broadband.html http://www.cabotplace.net/

Thank you for your email and interest in the subject of wireless access. I will forward your email on to Dave Murphy in the Mayor's Office. I may convene an Oversight Committee meeting this fall to more fully explore this matter and its current status in Quincy. Best regards, Kevin Kevin F. Coughlin Ward Three Councillor

NICE!