The network, called Gigabit Seattle ( www.gigabitseattle.com) includes three pieces: Fiber directly to the home and business in twelve demonstration neighborhoods, dedicated gigabit broadband wireless connections to multifamily housing and offices across Seattle, and next generation mobile wireless internet.

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Concurrently, greater availability of wireless broadband Internet, shared network printers, and mobile computing has made it easier for groups to share printers, putting additional downward pressure on demand for printers.

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More than 300 million U.S. wireless devices rely on mobile broadband for their voice, data and internet services.

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Indeed, the spread of broadband internet links, mobile phones and, in particular, home wireless networks over the past few years has led some people to conclude that the dream might even be about to become a reality.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR