Location(s)
Technology: fiber, Wi-Fi
Fredericton was having trouble getting access to affordable, high-speed internet. In 2000 the city decided that it would be more cost effective to build its own fiber network, than to wait for or work with the private sector options. Based on a strong positive response from the community, Fredericton was able to form a cooperative of 15 organizations, to own and operate, e-Novations, the city’s non-profit telecommunications company, which now provides service to local businesses and institutions. The initial fiber build-out was financed with a city loan of $65,000, which has since been repaid, and contributions from the local partners, who sometimes prepaid membership several years ahead. Since 2003 the city has also been offering free Wi-Fi to residents. The Wi-Fi network runs off the extra capacity on the fiber network. Wi-Fi coverage is best effort; it is not ubiquitous, and does not have a guaranteed quality of service.
Learn More:
e-Novations
http://www.teamfredericton.ca/enovations.asp
Fred eZone
http://www.fred-ezone.com/
Chronicle of e-Novations & Fred-eZone. The Fred e-Chronicles.
www.teamfredericton.ca/documents/Fred-eChronicles.pdf
Exciting New Muni Wireless Business Models. Beth Stackpole. Daily Wireless. May 2, 2007. http://www.dailywireless.com/features/muni-wireless-business-models-0502...
