urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:fdaproved fdaproved fdaproved 2006-07-17T02:37:59Z urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:fdaproved:363 2006-07-17T02:37:59Z 2006-07-17T02:37:59Z I started this journal so that I could peer in on the private lives of others without posting anything of my own. Now, several hours later, I am bored.<br /><br />One of the headlining articles in this months Inc. magazine ("the handbook for the american entrepreneur") focuses on the company Tropos Networks, who are trying to spread WiFi to the USA. On the surface it seems like the perfect company to spotlight small business opportunity and growth. My fear is that most readers of the magazine finish the article with the same feelings.<br /><br />Tropos seeks municipal wifi contracts, and has won them in cities like San Francisco. Ah San Fran, so advanced and forward thinking. Who wouldn't want a mayor with a strong initiative for city-wide wifi? Who indeed. The article promotes it as if the city government is doing a huge favor to the "free market" by throwing some companies a bone. Sure, Tropos and their VC's stand to profit (potentially anyways) - but what does it do to the landscape of the internet market at large, and at what cost? Why is internet access now on many peoples short list of "things the government should supply to every citizen."<br /><br />Me: The government doesn't have a history of solving problems elegantly or efficiently - why would we even trust them with something like this? <br />Some Dude: Well, that is why they are contracting the private sector! It's a real boost to the economy all around.<br /><br />Regardless of who does the work, the fact that it is all paid for out of the city piggy bank makes it less likely that any alternative will come along. Why should it, everyone is already paying once and Tropos is indisputably the sharpest company out there and they deserve it. Giving away free wireless access to everyone in the city isn't something most real business models would relish, which means it probably isn't the best idea (for-profit company = reality check, your tax dollars at work = blank check.) Let's come up with some economically sound ideas for solving the connectivity problem outside of government funding. One more industry cut off to the little guy.<br /><br />Of course Comcast, Verizon and the Bells are in a fit about this. As if Big G hasn't made them what they are today.<br /><br />Am I supposed to read this garbage and think "wow, I want to start a business in America. The land of dreams!"?<br /><br />Inc. Magazine: "The Handbook for taking socialist bullshit and passing it off as the life blood of the American economy."