After the initial media frenzy over Toronto Hydro’s WiFi announcement, there was a noticeable lull. Well, after almost a week of inactivity in the major media outlets, I came across this Globe and Mail update. Deveau’s “throwdown” briefly compares (coverage, installation costs, and pricing) Toronto Hydro’s proposed network with ones in Philadelphia, New Brunswick, and Tempe (AZ).
Now, I’m glad to see this back in the news, because there are many questions I would like to see addressed (i.e. what, if any, consideration will be given to underserved communities, businesses, and individuals? what is the role of the City in THT’s plan?)

But what puzzled me about this G+M article was why Ottawa wasn’t included. Given Dobbins’ previous tenure as Telecom Ottawa’s head, it seems logical to consider how they’ve set up pricing and who they’re partnered with, for some insight into how Toronto Hydro Telecom’s own network will unfold. For example, it looks like Telecom Ottawa, Fibretech, Hydro One Telecom, SCBN, Toronto Hydro Telecom, Enersource Telecom, Fibrewired and other Utelcos are all part of a “regional partnership”.

For that matter, I’m also puzzled by the lack of attention being given to the implications of these partnerships. Also (curiously) absent from any coverage of this plan is mention of UTC Canada, “a trade association focused on addressing the critical telecommunications issues for utilities and energy companies in Canada and the providers of telecommunications infrastructure or information technology services.”

It seems this would make for an interesting line of inquiry and discussion, more so than whether or not Wi-Fi poses any health risks.