As part of my mesh network interests I’ve started up WirelessEdmonton.ca. This will serve as the main website and splash page for my free wifi initiative.
I am starting with Whyte Avenue, where my Internet Cafe is located. I have 20 Open-Mesh routers that need deploying. I will be going to different businesses along the avenue where I feel the network needs a boost and asking them if they will help out.
If a business hosts a repeater they will get a mention on the website. If they host a gateway they will get a specific ad on the front page indicating they are helping out.
In order to generate money I’ve put a simple 160×600 skyscraper ad on the right hand side of the splash page. For $75 a month an advertiser will get equal rotation on the front page. These are just rough numbers to start. As traffic and advertisers grow I’ll make adjustments. Right now the most important thing is to get people to carry my routers.
My buddy Mack was visiting with me the other day and we were doing some crazy brain storming into the future of a free network like this. We both think it has amazing potential and I can’t wait to see this thing explode.
June 9th, 2008 at 4:38 am
very intersting, i will try the same and see the results… please keep us updated with what happen with you and how are you running it…
June 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am
[...] Free Edmonton Wireless :: Soliciting Fame – it’s nice to see some initiative coming from the people rather than telecom businesses or government to bring free WiFi to the city of Edmonton. Even though it’s not my most favorite Canadian city I have lived in free WiFi could make it a little more attractive. [...]