[dane @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:16PM]

There are two key differences between this effort and FON:

Because this project is sponsored by the ISP, end-users won't find themselves under investigation for bad acts by WiFi users. This could prevent a visit from the US Secret Service, FBI, etc. Sonic.net is able to see where the abuse occurred, and to point the authorities toward the wireless user, not the customer.

The Meraki hardware builds a mesh, automatically. This means that additional nearby client devices cause the network to grow. A neighbor uses one to hook up a PC via it's Ethernet, for example, and that device also repeats the WiFi. This allows for broad coverage and roaming.

In San Francisco, where no one has pole top access, there isn't likely to be a huge amount of meshing going on beyond customer households (use a second Meraki to fill in any WiFi black holes in the house!) and perhaps a neighbor or two. However, in other communities where Sonic.net has pole top rights, it could be a big deal. Outdoor Meraki on street lights will repeat the signal, with the DSL line acting as the Internet gateway. There is one square mile in Santa Rosa that will shortly be covered in this way.