Well p2p network traffic would be limited and shaped. we are only expecing the network to deliver around 128kbps to 256 kpbs down and about 128 kbps up. This is good enougth for basic email access, web access and other basic features. But not enought for file sharing. We are not looking to provide a network that will be used only for p2p traffic or surfing bad sites.

Would P2P (peer to peer) file sharing be blocked on this free wifi network? Big bandwidth hog!

I work downtown and would love to see wireless come to the area.

I hope this wireless is strong enough to give a signal to my house, which is pretty close to downtown!!

Throw in some cookies and Doritos.

kid, does porn and weed make a good combo? Just wondering...

yes!! free porn for all!!

Hi Everyone, I am Robert Novak's Business Partner. Let me first say that we are very excited about this project and we both hope that the ISP's will let us do this because of their TOS (Terms of Service. Many of them do not allow free wireless access for the public, but we are working various channels to see if we can get them to OK the project. Without that OK, the deployment will be a bit harder but we will make it happen. As for the cost of the project, we will be offering Ad space to local business on the connection portal. This will serve two many purposes. First, it will help with the deployment of new connection points. And Second, it will help keep the overhead cost to Zero. We are not looking to make any money directly from this project. We are only asking for the business communities support and interest in the project. We already have the support of some local buinesses as well as the City of Janesville, Forward Janesville and a few other higher organisations. The whole idea behind this project it to make it a community driven network and not ask the city or any other funding body for funds. We will help to make all of the nessary deployments and upgrades to the network from the funds collected by the ad-space. Again, feel free to call us or send us an email if you are looking for more information about this project.

Michael Peterman
Small Business Technology Solutions Inc
608-554-4858
Michael@seeus4it.com

Speaking of Palmer Park, yes...we have it planned that if the project goes well in the downtown area we would expand to some of the great city parks. This just provides a challenge as there is no internet service at the parks to tap into. We are starting some talks with ISP's to bring a line to certain parks at a discounted rate. (Which my company and donations could pay) If you have any more insight or interested in helping this project out please feel free to give me a call. 608-554-4858

Robert Novak

pack: its not only you. But it shows a larger problem with Janesville and Rock County. We won't get the High Paying Tech jobs if we have people who are content to live in the past. Manufacturers won't give us a 2nd look at all compared to other communities that readily embrace their ideals and products.

sheesh, all I did was state my opinion. Guess that won't happen again.

TCB: There is no chance of Google coming to Janesville. This burg is way too far behind the times for Google to invest here. It will be hard enough to convince Google to come to Madison. Are we are way farther behind than Madison.

Unfortunately there are too many people out there who do not want to embrace technology and the future, and therefore will keep this area of the country stuck in the past. It is too bad, that is the number two reason we do not have a bunch of companies lining up to bring their businesses to Rock County. We are too far "behind the times" and simply ignorant to catch up!

pack,
interestingly, if wifi is an OPTION, it does not mean YOU have to bring your phone along. that other may want to or even need to is a good thing for the community.
just because you don't want it doesn't make it a bad idea.
amazingly, every phone has an on and off button. you are free to use yours.

Pack, no one is asking you to check your email or to carry or answer your cell phone. I bet if you wish to go back to the good old days of "renting" your land line, I bet the local telephone company may make an arrangement for you. Or perhaps, you may not wish to have a telephone at all. This way, if someone needs to contact you, they could always send a telegram, send a letter (soon to be extinct on Saturday), or physically meet you. Its not very convenient-but think of the freedom you'll have from technology!

Free wifi is a great idea, an idea that will be a reality everywhere soon. Janesville has an opportunity to be ahead of the technological curve rather than always looking to catch up. Although, there are no free lunches. There will be a cost to manage this free service, perhaps Mr. Novaks firm could earn a retainer to manage and update equipment as needed. The city of Janesville could sell advertising to offset the cost of the free service....maybe google would be willing to pilot Janesville with their Ultra high speed broadband plan...

seeus4it: Thanks for your efforts in bringing this to downtown Janesville. I, for one, would very much enjoy sitting on a park bench on a sunny afternoon and being able to work outside! Any chance of a similar effort in Palmer Park?

When I want to go sit in the sunshine and enjoy the park, the last thing I want is my cell phone ringing or having to check my email. I guess I am old,,,if you want me, call me at home and leave a message. I'll get back to you. I just have never felt the need to be on the phone or computer driving a car, grocery shopping, or watching the sunset. Just my opinion.

It's a good idea. But I for one am seeing less interaction among people who are always focused or distracted by their cell phones. Now people will be facebooking each other from across the street. When is too much, too much? Just asking. :)

We are very aware there are many businesses in the area that have free WiFi. We are not looking to replace that, unless the business chooses to be part of the larger network. We just want give everyone one more reason to get out and enjoy all the area has to offer. Even if that just entails sitting in the park enjoying the sunny day while checking your email.

This will just provide a seamless network throughout the area. Once you connect in one place your computer can remember it for next time, even if you are down the street at another business.

Robert Novak III
Small Business Technology Solutions Inc.
608-554-4858

good idea!

I know of a few businesses downtown that already have free WIFI while you are eating there. Their coverage extends beyond their walls.