[BC] Mobile streaming - who needs IBOC?

[Mark Humphrey]

On 6/27/06, Kirk Harnack <kirk at harnack.com> wrote:

> What actual data rate can a free wifi user expect on Philly's broadband
> network?

Once the system is built out, it looks like at least 1Mbps
(symmetrical) and up to 11Mbps would be possible.  This is the
technical limitation of the network -- but I'm not sure if they will
offer full speed at the cheapest pricing tier.  More details are in
the business plan:

http://www.phila.gov/wireless/pdfs/Wireless-Phila-Business-Plan-040305-1245pm.pdf

> Last fall I connected while near the convention center (where the NAB
> Radio Show was) and experienced lousy bit rates.  Less than dial-up.

I think the convention center was part of the "pilot project" which
the city set up a couple of years ago as a courtesy to visitors.  It
may have improved since then -- a transmitter sales rep who was in
town yesterday told me he connected at much better than 1M from inside
a building along Independence Mall.   In his words "it was better than
a cable modem."

The entire Parkway between City Hall and the Art Museum is now on
line, so I really need to take my laptop (and Roku SoundBridge) down
there soon and evaluate the current level of performance.

Mark