Governments are not supposed to be ISPs:

The city of Hampton is exploring the creation of a wireless Internet network, at first, aimed at the thousands of race fans who descend on the track twice a year, but could be expanded in the future to provide high-speed service across the city — and beyond.

And it could be available by October’s race.

“We are really looking at that as just the beginning,” said Hampton City Councilman Arley Lowe.

The wonderful Benita Dodd adds her two cents:

“The private sector is doing a wonderful job on WiFi and municipalities don’t need to get taxpayers involved,” said Benita Dodd, vice president of the nonpartisan Georgia Public Policy Foundation. “It’s a risk for taxpayers, it’s a technology challenge, and it’s something that the private sector is already accommodating. There’s no need for government to get involved.”

Of course, Dodd is right. If the private sector can provide it, then government shouldn't interfere with it. There are multiple different internet providers that can provide these services (e.g. Bellsouth, Charter and Comcast). Government intrusion into the market is completely unwarranted.

The Atlanta Motor Speedway claims that they are not familiar with the proposal. The Hampton City Council shouldn't be concerned with race fans. They are their to see cars crash into the wall at 200mph their favorite drivers. If the AMS wants wi-fi, let them provide it. Not the taxpayers.

If businesses want wi-fi...then they should pickup a Linksys wireless router (I have one in my home and it works great) from Best Buy and charge their own nominal fee to pay for the service.

Taxpayers should never, absolutely never be forced to pay for things that the private sector can provide.

Tax dollars are the opiate of politicians, especially in an election year.