Sameer Verma
San Francisco State University
Paul Beckman
San Francisco State University
Robert Nickerson
San Francisco State University
In the space of unlicensed wireless communication, IEEE 802.11 group of standards has seen an unprecedented growth in installation and use. Commercial interests such as Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP) as well as community-based Neighborhood Area Networks (NAN) have started deploying services based on the rapidly growing IEEE 802.11b standard. Such networks allow users to access the Internet at speeds higher than the ones provided by cellular wireless and other competitive services. Both WISPs and NANs provide service to the consumer, but the methods of generating revenue for sustained service differ. We have established in previous research that such differences can be represented roughly by four dimensions: technological, financial, legal and social. This paper extends our efforts in two directions. First, it identifies primary concerns and issues along the lines of these four dimensions. Second, the paper draws out the implicit and explicit business models adopted and used by WISPs and NANs. We worked closely with a group of experts who are proponents of major WISP and NAN efforts in the US. The results of the study provide some insight into the primary concerns.
Presented at the 2002 International Strategy & Technology Forum, Berkeley, CA, October 15-16, 2002.