RFSTUF

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Provides Early Test of Wi-Fi Network
As the event unfolded, a number of immediate potential uses of the wireless network became apparent... Wi-Fi Put to Work One of the first text messages I had received on Wednesday evening was from Joe Caldwell at USI Wireless, the city's private-sector partner responsible for building, owning and managing the citywide wireless-broadband network now under construction. When Joe realized the cellular networks were jammed, he immediately opened the wireless network to all users. The network is approximately 20 percent complete, and fortunately the coverage area includes both the central business district and surrounding neighborhoods. USI Wireless had attracted almost 1,000 customers to date in the relatively small area where it is now available. Wednesday evening more than 6,000 users took advantage of the open access. The network served an important public service that night...