Free or commercial???

Is NZWireless a free community based organization trying to make a free wireless network around Auckland and New Zealand or is it a commercial project??

I was under the understanding that it was a community based project.

If you are going to try and turn it into a commercial venture then I wish you all the very best but i am not interested in being part of another wireless company.
The second it turns commercial and you start to try and charge for the backbone usage you have to start guaranteeing the backbones uptime (something even the big boys have trouble doing) and reliability.
Offering internet services are a different story as the backbone is free but the net is on a usage type setup.
All the people I have approached and are negotiating with regarding getting aerials on there roof tops and free gear for AP's and possible free internet connections where approached with the fact that we where a non profit community based organization NOT a commercial venture.

I really need this point clarified as it makes a big difference to the negotiations i have going at the moment.

No one I have talked to that has put in any effort into NZwireless has said that we should make this a commercial venture, always the opposite. I expect people to donate money and gear for pops though.

I think that we should have an internet connection of some sort, and if we talk to the right people this should be able to be done free, or for minimum charge. It could never be anymore than a best effort connection.

Who is suggesting that we charge for access?

http://www.nzwireless.org/modules.php?name...viewtopic&t=235

Someone combine the threads.

Spudnik - let me save the hassle - I'll re-quote below:

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INTERNET & BILLING FOR WIRELESS BACKBONE
These are two requirements that need to be looked at for the Wireless Backbone. The ability to revenue share also is key. This is real commercial stuff here with your nodes. Sharing access for ad hoc users would also be useful. Dang, why not be a hotspot?
Internet access is available also.
I would be keen to see your thoughts on this as I know of a system that can do it now and there is enthusiasm to support a community network initiative.
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Sorry if I caused offence but there are a few users I know of who could really look at a scenario where they could be part of a "bigger thing" and not only help get wireless broadband affordable but also get a system to be a "user governed network" as opposed to a controlled entity from a large multinational.

I really think that the community is onto something here where the best intentions are to bring this out of "geek" into "early adoption" - the early adoptors are happy to pay / subsidise for a good experience.

Realiability has increased, cost has decreased.

I have never thought of NZWireless as being a commercial thing - but I know that there are some people who want to network / talk to other people or organisations because they have an asset.

If NZWireless.org is to be a ham wireless scenario equivalent, simply make that clear for all and sundry before they become members.

I think this group has an opportuntity to share this Wireless stuff with more capacity than just "enthusiasm".

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Wi-Fi Guy
Auckland

Wi-Fi_guy
I don't get your point.

As far as I can tell you are the only one that has talked about charging.
"These are two requirements that need to be looked at for the Wireless Backbone. The ability to revenue share also is key. This is real commercial stuff here with your nodes. " which is from a post by wi-fi_guy

You ask
"If NZWireless.org is to be a ham wireless scenario equivalent, simply make that clear for all and sundry before they become members. "
What do you mean "HAM" or amateur?
Do you mean non profit, and NZWireless Org should not charge for usage of the community net (Which it doesn't own anyway). (A good thing)

Who owns the backbone. NZ Wireless org does not own anything at the moment. NZ Wireless org is a buch of guys who talk on a forum.

As far as I can tell the NZ Wireless Org can only be ccommunity based. All the nodes are owned by different people in the community. Usage of the nodes is at the will and discretion of the owner.
Maybe the confusion comes from the term "wireless backbone"?

I see wireless backbone as meaning, a connection of APs through individuals "house" as nodes. I thought it would be a line of APs that were in bridge mode and did not pick up clients but may connect to other APs (at the node) which did. Again the backbone would be a community based
It would not work if one person switched off power to APs/Bridges in the middle.

I think I'm missing the point of this and can't understand the point.
Please excuse my ignorance.
jj