AT&T and Earthlink are battling it out for the right to build a citywide Wi-Fi network in Chicago. Following San Francisco, Philadelphia, and other cities lead, Chicago is studying the benefits of a municipal broadband wireless network. Adding to this Chicago drama is the presence of Sprint Nextel with their announced intention of launching WiMAX in the near future. Is there enough broadband demand for multiple wireless networks (not to mention mobile wireless broadband options like EV-DO and Edge provided by other carriers)? Chicago will be an early indicator.
The Chicago Tribune offers great insight into these developments.
