Pronto Networks invests in a slick idea for municipal networks: roaming: The horribly named UniFi Digital Communities Grid would allow roaming across municipal networks by government employees and residents with special options for public safety and emergency workers.
One idea behind this platform is that applications can be developed against the platform and then sold to many towns and cities almost as a shrinkwrapped item. The press release notes services like automated meter reading and even Amber alerts.
Several entities are participating in the initial rollout--Corpus Christi, Texas, and Nantucket, Mass., to note two--and have all agreed to provide reciprocal access for governmental workers, with options for free for for-fee roaming for other municipalities' citizens and visitors from anywhere. The platform would also allow resale to aggregators.