Who?

One of the principle aims of Wireless Oxford is that we should not be dependent on any one institution for funding. We believe that the system can be built using "invest to save" funds from the major employers and users of ICT who may see substantial reductions in their ICT/network costs as a result of switching to wireless or those who may see substantial business opportunities in using a wireless infrastructure.

So whilst it is important for the project that the local authorities support us (for example we will need the County Council on board since the most obvious place for most of the access points will be on street lamp posts), we're not looking for them to dig into their already stretched budgets (except as above perhaps their ICT budgets where savings can be made) to kick start it.

Initial thoughts are that we might structure as a Limited Liability Partnership which investors, site owners, subscribers and others can join to share in the benefits of social ownership. To this we would want to add one or more infrastructure partners to whom we will let the contract to install and maintain the hardware and software required. Content providers and advertisers could also become partners.

Returns for investors, rent for site use and so on would be paid out of turnover, whilst profits would be put towards "digital inclusion" programs to help as many people and communities as possible benefit from the opportunities offered by the network.

So, whether you are an individual wanting to use the technology and prepared to invest a little, in time developing the idea or money to help us get going, a high end ICT user looking to make savings on your current arrangements, a business who sees a business opportunity in implementing wireless technologies or perhaps a content provider or advertiser wanting a new way to reach a city wide audience, or are just interested in seeing how it develops, do please get in touch with us.

We'll be adding more interactive features to this website as time goes on, but for now you can contact us online using the link in the top right hand corner of the web page.