Boston Looks at Non-Profits for Wi-Fi

With municipal wireless networks, most cities have opted to let the private sector build and maintain the system. However, the city of Boston may end up taking a completely different approach: turning the keys over to a non-profit.

That was the recommendation of a task force put together by Mayor Thomas Menino. The group said the best course of action would be to allow a non-profit raise the $16 million to $20 million that it believes would be necessary to build and maintain the network.

Officials say using a non-profit would allow Boston to meet its goals better, and be less susceptible to special interests.

"We believe the nonprofit route may be the best way to bring low-cost service to every neighborhood while providing a platform for innovation unlike any in the nation," Menino said at a press conference announcing the city's intentions.

The strategy has considerable risks, as it is entirely dependent on the private sector being willing enough to donate the funds necessary. In other cities, similar strategies have been considered, but pushed aside in favor of allowing private firms to take the risk of running such a network.

In turn, to ensure the entity running the network is operating in the best interests of the city, oversight protections have been added to contracts. Boston seems to feel that allowing a non-profit run the network would practically eliminate the need for an extra layer of bureaucracy.

Wi-Fi service in Boston would be offered at about $15 USD per month, and would be wholesaled to other companies to provide their Internet services to customers. The proposal is also aimed at lowering the cost of broadband access overall.

No estimate of time was provided as to when the Wi-Fi network may go live. Boston is among approximately 250 cities that have planned or already are offering wireless Internet services to the general public.