Introduction to Public WI-FI Use Cases

Wireless
Sectors	Wireless
Contact	David Witkowski
Topics	Case Studies Case Study Summary Findings & Discussion Considerations for Deploying Municipal IoT Funding Models History of Public WiFi Impacts to Municipal Governments of IoT Networks Internet of Things Introduction to Public WI-FI Use Cases Legal Issues Marketing & Outreach Practical Guide: Deploying an IoT Network Practical Guide: IoT Cybersecurity & Privacy Procurement Project Management Technology Strategy The Current State of Municipal IoT Deployments Wireless Blueprint

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Public Wi-Fi has a large number of use cases. This section seeks to provide guidance and information related to the most prominent types and will provide a general overview of the most frequently cited use cases for implementing Public Wi-Fi. What it does not seek to do is provide explicit guidance in terms of implementation. Each city/municipality will have their own strategy and execution plan as there are several additional elements associated with developing and deploying a public solution (many of which are discussed in other areas of this document).

The following use cases and outcomes will vary by city, but nearly all represent possibilities to improve overall city efficiency, citizen engagement, quality of life, economic develop, digital inclusion, and enhance city services and performance. These use cases represent the core reasons and goals for executing a Public Wi-Fi network deployment and are therefore critical to consider in advance. Outlined below are a few of the most frequently cited use cases and their drivers for consideration.

Digital Inclusion

This is often identified as one of the most important reasons for implementing a Public Wi-Fi solution. Digital inclusion - or reducing the digital divide - is also viewed as “Creating a more digitally connected community” and includes:

• Underserved communities/areas
  • Economically disadvantaged
• Rural and remote areas with limited telecommunications infrastructure
• Schools, primarily K-12
• Programs within the community
  • eHealth services
  • Community Centers (youth, senior, cultural, etc.)

Where cities/municipalities have incorporated a strategy for deploying a Public Wi-Fi solution to address this use case, the elements of consideration and planning are significant in terms of:

• Funding - Where are there opportunity for funding vehicles
• Best Practice - What is the best way to deploy and what model should be adopted
• Service level delivery - What service level and performance should be expected
• Security - What is the security model and what level of responsibility does the city/municipality hold and what is the policy
• Governance, accountability, overall policy and cost
• O&M (Operation and Management) - Who is responsible for operating, managing and maintaining the network and services