You've probably read about the future wireless metropolis. Usually, it's San Francisco or Philadelphia making the news. But how about
Fairfax City in Virginia?
On March 16, city officials issued a request for proposal to Internet providers or other companies to turn Fairfax into a wireless city. While there are hotspots throughout the city, including parts of the Johnson Center on the George Mason University campus where I teach, the city is pursuing blanket coverage.
The city fathers (and mothers) appear to have the right attitude about wired growth. "I'm looking at this as another service the city provides," says Fairfax City Councilman Scott Silverthorne, who made the original proposal. "I would argue that this is a quality of life issue. If we want to attract new residents and new businesses, this will become an essential service. People down the line will expect this from their local governments. Our constituents are going to expect this.
"We won't be first," Silverthorne adds, "but we'll be at the front." As a Fairfax resident, I'd say that's a pretty good place to be.
More info: The MuniWireless blog is following this story.
