NOLA Gives Up on Free Wifi Network

The city of New Orleans has decided to unplug its free WiFi network once Earthlink finishes building out its system. Sad to see it go, but having two different systems competing for the same wireless spectrum would have been messy and extemely difficult to maitain.

The wireless network that is run by the city for citizens will be taken down to avoid overlap between the two systems, said Mark Kurt, the city's director of information technology.

"Once EarthLink has deployed their network, we will remove our equipment, and redeploy elsewhere as the situation warrants. The other wireless networks that have been set up by the city for temporary facilities and public safety will continue to be operated by the city as long as they are necessary and funding is available," Kurt said.

Link (via BoingBoing)