Forum Moderators: goodroi
EarthLink and Google have been tabbed as the most viable bidders to blanket San Francisco with a Wi-Fi network, based on a review by the city’s Department of Telecommunications and Information Services, or DTIS.The joint bid from the two companies means that the city will initiate contract negotiations with both to create a universal broadband wireless network in the city. DTIS received six proposals, which were submitted to a review panel of city employees and an outside consulting firm.
sorry but I doubt that enough people aren't online because they don't have $20 or so a month. If they were that poor, even with free internet, they would still need a laptop or some sort of router. Plus, extremely poor people are not as desirable to marketers, since they are more likely to buy store brands as supposed to buying P & G products
>> another major internet boom with the new users this would create
sorry but I doubt that enough people aren't online because they don't have $20 or so a month. If they were that poor, even with free internet, they would still need a laptop or some sort of router. Plus, extremely poor people are not as desirable to marketers, since they are more likely to buy store brands as supposed to buying P & G products
I disagree with this. I think that it will be great for a number of reasons. One reason for instance is when people travel to the city (sorry I call it the city since its only 1.5 hours away from me) they will have access to the net.
I am just confused at how they will make money off of this. Or is it some more 'charity' from Google?
I remember reading that they applied for a patent on having a logo displayed automatically on backgrounds or browser windows...something like that.
as far as they increase: still not that major, IMO.
Even a linked logo to Google will probably create enough ad clicks to justify the cost here and certainly if you include brand awareness it's worth the money for them.
A drop in Google's bucket of cash to consolidate the position as search leader.
Where the HECK are Yahoo and MSN when all these cool initiatives spring up?
Ugg, I just thought about people on the internet while they are driving. S.F. motorcyclists beware . . .
I think it is pretty obvious that they are also going to show ads in exchange for the free internet access. It's a No Brainer...and, in my opinion, totally worth it to the consumer.
show ads in exchange for the free internet access. It's a No Brainer...and, in my opinion, totally worth it to the consumer
Right on. There's too much "anti advertising" sentiment in the developer community. Ads are OK in moderation.
Why waste your time at P**t's? Come to the St*rb*cks on 990 Market Street, just 2min from where you are!"Technically, that can be done pretty easily (transparent proxies). But you can also bet my ass on the fact that there will be tools to strip out whatever the proxy puts in.
Oh, BTW, I think Seattle should be next ;-)
I think it is pretty obvious that they are also going to show ads in exchange for the free internet access. It's a No Brainer...and, in my opinion, totally worth it to the consumer.
Before getting all excited over this, let's not forget that other companies tried (and failed) at this, such as NetZero. Another thing to consider is that G does not at present have much of a buildout of subscriber infrastructure. Other ISPs do, and can implement ad-supported Internet access if they so choose. So G has quite a bit of competition in this area.
Google can also use the click traffic data to build profiles on individual surfing habits. They would not have access to this kind of data unless they became an ISP.
Yea agree , its help google in many ways
Like
- After this they can move for Behavioral targeting , means adsense Got more power.
- If you remember some time ago they offer Web Accelerator software but due to legal issues they close service. but now i think now issue :) They can cache website , maintain users logs etc....
and and lot of things but Behavioral targeting idea seems me more powerfull , Adsense is there major revnuew source and they are trying to make it better.
Before getting all excited over this, let's not forget that other companies tried (and failed) at this, such as NetZero
In my opinion this isn't a very good comparison. NetZero attempted to get users to switch from their current ISP to them. They were also offering dial up access at the same time cable & dsl were becoming mainstream. They were offering an inferior product.
That isn't even my point though. Google is looking to blanket all of SF with free wifi access. Anyone walking down the street, sitting in a coffee shop, riding on the bus, etc. will be able to get online if they have a wireless capable laptop with them.
The internet is utizilized as a tool by the average joe these days, not just the geeks. Maps, schedules, directions, weather, yellow pages...you name it. These are all things people need at a moments notice and may be away from their home computer. Netzero was a home based ISP. Google Wifi is going to be FAR from this. I have my own typical DSL service at home but I am pretty sure I'll be using Google's free service as well.
