52 International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development, 2(2), 52-66, April-June 2010 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Keywords: Accessibility, Business Model, Disabilities, Inclusivity, Municipal Wi-Fi, Stakeholder WI-FI, ACCESSIBILITY, AND INCLUSIVITY The progressively more common connectiv- ity provided by wireless devices offers local governments 1) an opportunity to provide new and innovative services to citizens, and 2) the possibility to expand access to those who might otherwise be excluded, yet would benefit from enhanced connectivity (U.S. NTIA, 2000, 2002). Municipal wireless systems 1 (municipal Wi-Fi/muni Wi-Fi) have been promoted as a tool for the provision of widespread wireless connectivity with associated benefits. Municipal officials, telecom providers, and concerned citizens in cities and regions have rushed to develop plans to deliver Wi-Fi systems. A key rationale cited by municipalities for deploying these networks is their potential to bridge the digital divide by facilitating wider accessibil- ity to broadband connectivity (Bar & Park, 2006; Chesley, 2009). According to a recent E-Accessibility and Municipal Wi-Fi: Exploring a Model for Inclusivity and Implementation Paul M. A. Baker, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA Alea M. Fairchild, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium Jessica Pater, Georgia Tech Research Institute, USA ABSTRACT One of the typical design objectives of municipal Wi-Fi systems is the free or low-cost provision of connectivity for citizens, including people with disabilities and others impacted by the digital divide. This paper examines a range of municipal Wi-Fi implementation models for potential impact on e-accessibility. A comparative analysis was undertaken of sample U.S. and European municipal Wi-Fi systems to assess the business model and stakeholders involved in municipal wireless initiatives and to examine the degree of accessibility to or sensitivity of, municipal wireless systems for people with disabilities. As many people with disabilities are currently affected by social disparities in education and income, further marginalization of their communica- tion and information access creates additional access barriers to critical information and full participation in community life. DOI: 10.4018/jicthd.2010040104