Report: Philly's wireless plan flawed.

Byline: Michael Hinkelman

Apr. 12--A Washington think tank with ties to the cable and telecommunications industry said yesterday that Wireless Philadelphia, the city's ambitious plan to provide low-cost, high-speed wireless Internet access anywhere in the city, was flawed both economically and technologically.

The success of Philadelphia's plan, two analysts said, rests on delivering online access for less than what private Internet service providers (ISPs) charge, or $10 to $55 monthly.

The city would lease use of its network to ISPs for a wholesale fee, and they would then be responsible for customer service, billing and marketing.

But …