The public utility and the public park: Metaphors and models for community-based Wi-Fi networking

The rising and falling fortunes of municipal wireless networking projects in the United States have raised questions about whether and how Wi-Fi connectivity should be provided as a public service. Two metaphors provide ways of thinking about the purpose of public Wi-Fi. This paper discusses how the ldquopublic servicerdquo and ldquopublic parkrdquo metaphors for Wi-Fi networking can be applied to Frederictonpsilas Fred-eZone project, North Americapsilas first municipally owned free Wi-Fi network, as a means of comparing it with other North American Wi-Fi networks, especially Montrealpsilas Ile Sans Fil network, which also uses hotspots. Specifically, the paper describes how different metaphors can assist network planners in determining the scope of their project. The ldquopublic utilityrdquo metaphor for Wi-Fi networks focuses on the potential for Wi-Fi to act as a type of internet access infrastructure. In contrast, the ldquopublic parkrdquo metaphor concentrates on the symbolic space of sociability, play, and democratic engagement that Wi-Fi networks could create. This metaphor suggests that Wi-Fi could be used as a form of media. Municipalities considering Wi-Fi networks can learn from applications of these metaphors.