In what should NOT be considered “Free” WiFi, Meraki, the makers of a lightweight mesh networking platform, have sponsored the deployment of WiFi inside San Francisco’s City Hall, reports MuniWireless.com
To me there is a huge difference between “free” and “sponsored” even if the general public perceives it to be “free.” The rationales are quite simple as the sponsored model in this case is the same as a park’s beautification being underwritten by a benefactor. If the benefactor says no more, the ongoing beautification of the park stops until a new one can be found.
In the case of San Francisco, the city won’t be subsidizing the WiFi anytime soon, so Meraki stepped in and in a very self serving (in a good way) developed a plan to bring greater attention to the merits and benefits of WiFi.
Well done by all, and hat tip to Esme Vos for drawing attention to this.