Oakland County is starting down a path that could potentially cause issues that are ignored by our leaders when tampering with the free market.  On the surface, this appears to be a noble venture that will bring technologically focused companies to the county while providing free Internet access to those who may not have it.  But, by instituting an aggressive wireless internet program across the county, Oakland County is attempting to lure business at the expense of true progress in the private-sector while potentially jeopardizing the security of those using the system.

While Oakland County doesn't plan to own or operate the service, it is allowing the private company to use over 2,400 public sites as access points to the network.  Our thoughts tend to wander to those issues that may hamper the system, while well-intentioned, and focus on competitive schemes against the private-sector as opposed to providing the services that all citizens and visitors in Oakland County have less control over, like roads and public safety.

First, giving unfettered Internet access to low-income families is a laudable endeavor.   However, some questions need to be asked:

• How many low-income families have wireless access capable computers?
• How computer-savvy are the users regarding the protection of their personal data?
• If the cost of the higher speed services doesn't match the revenues generated, how long before this stops being "free" service?

Ultimately, a better solution to providing an economically friendly atmosphere to business is to lower taxes and lessen regulation.  Ensuring competition in the marketplace will provide low-cost Internet access for the residents and businesses of Oakland County.  This will also allow the County government to focus its efforts to providing services to us that we cannot get in the private sector.