Center for Digital Government (2006). Building the Untethered Nation: A Strategic Guide for Communities on Wireless Technology and Broadband Infrastructure. http://www-01.ibm.com/industries/government/ieg/pdf/wireless_guide.pdf
This guide provides a basic introduction to how wireless broadband is important to local communities, and the governance and technical decisions that municipalities who engage in wireless projects will need to make. It is a useful introduction to these issues, though communities may want to pair the guide with more detailed resources. It is produced by the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government: http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/ .
The guide has three parts: Part One: The Basics, which provides an overview of wireless networks, devices and capabilities, and why and how local jurisdictions make a commitment to implement wireless, including the difference between an incremental approach - starting with small wireless projects and building on them, and an enterprise-at-once approach - building the entire system; Part Two: The Drivers, which discusses the key benefits, advantages and services that wireless provides both government and its citizens; and, Part Three: The Decision Points, which describes the leadership and the key essentials to making wireless broadband networks successful. The guide draws from the experience of cities and counties that have successfully implemented a wireless network, are making progress toward building one, or those who are considering a similar move.