I just read the coolest story ever and had to share it. Mashable released a story today about the government discussing providing free, public wireless internet. 

The Federal Communications Commission is considering developing a public “super Wi-Fi” network that would span across the entire United States. This sounds like something I dreamed about 10 years ago, but like most things, there are two sides to the story. 

The signal would be incredibly strong, able to travel long distances and through thick walls and other stuff. The government would blow away any company offering internet, and that’s the problem.

The connection would be faster and free, and will definitely piss off many companies who are now making billions of dollars from the subscriptions of millions of Americans. Google and Microsoft are supporting public Wi-Fi networks and argue that national Wi-Fi networks would help boost the creation of new electronics and could actually be a good thing. 

Companies such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Qualcomm are hardset on this plan never coming to light. They think the government should create the network but then auction it off to businesses. There are also concerns about whether this network  will cause problems with existing networks and broadcasts. 

Personally, I think it’s both exciting and a little scary. It seems like we are all too connected as it is and this will promote interconnectedness even more. I am worried about when and if this network crashes and what that will mean for the entire US. What do you think about it? Here’s the article: tinyurl.com/a9dnms2