Public WiFi security risks are real, not imaginary. This paper from the Royal Holloway College, University of London highlights Security Risks associated with the use of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Should Quarkside publicise this paper? The advice works both ways. It gives as many clues to potential criminals as it does to those who should take more care.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, said he had two important jobs, Broadband roll-out and Wi-Fi in libraries. He is only satisfied with the first. He is disappointed with the second. The demand for library Wi-Fi is large and increasing, but fewer than 50% have achieved this. The CIPFA October 2011 survey indicates the scale of adoption at the time, although it is improving.
What is Ed doing about it?
He started by listening to the problems. For example, one London Borough was quoted £7000 for one library; another City Council had an internal quote of £18k for two libraries. Suppliers attending the meeting gasped with astonishment. They were hard pushed to justify more than £500 per library, putting Wifi into a chain of coffee shops might only cost £300 per location.
“Why don’t you approach suppliers directly?” asked inquisitive Ed.
“I would get the sack”, was the immediate response. “I was told there were security problems”, he added.
There’s two points to make:
Template procurement contracts are a possibility, but some have restricted use – such as the Courts service. The Public Sector Network (PSN) templates may be applicable – but this is only for a limited number of suppliers. Concession deals, like Westminster and Colchester, could also be considered in the wider context of town centre Wi-Fi.
Ed banged (metaphorically) on the table, and proceeded to diss local authorities for over-elaborate procedures. He demanded that suppliers, LAs and assorted ministries work together and “sort out a viable procurement model by the end of the year ”. We shall see.
The alternative to reducing expenditure is to increase income. Local authorities (LAs) are often not tuned into the potential value from the assets they control. Hence, this next no brainer. Simply stated LAs should:
Why is this not commonplace? Timing.
Mobile communications are now ubiquitous, especially smartphones with Wi-Fi capacity. Many sections of society do not have fixed telephone lines or broadband and are dependent on mobile devices. They are demanding data communications in addition to voice communications. They welcome Wi-Fi, especially if it is free. Telecoms suppliers want to attract and retain such valuable customers.
The good news is that telecoms suppliers are now prepared to pay local authorities for a concession in town centres. This will provide an element of free Wi-Fi for visitors and an additional source of income. The evidence comes from the early entrepreneurship by Westminster and Colchester Councils.
Metro wireless networks are not a new concept. They have been used in the United Kingdom for a number of years with varying degrees of success. Originally, they were a commercial deployment in town centres for public Internet access via laptops – with the user paying a subscription fee. This model was, in most cases, relatively unsuccessful. As access to the Internet via mobile handsets and PDAs has increased, justification has moved away from a chargeable service towards a value added free service. Suppliers can derive revenue from many sources, such as sponsorship, advertising, digital video services, games, music and backhaul for other telecoms companies. The current economics do not require a subscription model.
A major barrier for private sector suppliers is the need for numerous access points at street level. LAs can provide a solution by offering locations for mounting equipment, such as on street furniture and rooftops. Private sector suppliers can now deliver Metro Wi-Fi in town centres by paying commercial fees for the use of public assets and sharing some of their income.
LAs should open up for business, obtaining additional value from current infrastructure.
Town Centre Wi-Fi immediately attracts the attention of local shoppers and retail outlets. It can be launched with a fanfare, showing how the local council is providing something for citizens – without costing a fortune. Local politicians love it. The public applauds unlimited free access to commercial and local information. Look at the potential:
It may be a no brainer, but LAs must take care. They must be scrupulously fair in offering concessions and be aware of State Aid regulations – to say nothing of the technical and planning requirements. There may be other communications and shared service projects in progress that could impact development plans. Finally, don’t expect suppliers to deliver perfection. LAs must follow all the basic principles of good project governance, especially by assuring the quality of service. The public may think it is an LA service even if it is totally provided by the private sector.
Quarkside 