Street Lamps go Wireless

I just read an article that is very exciting. It has to do with consolidation of various types of technology. Consolidation of technology is relative known in the computer world, i.e. with networks, computers, TV, Radio, print are making up the fabric of the world wide web. However, I have notice other consolidation of technology that are some how becoming pratical. Who ever heard of a street lamp, WI-FI access point and solar panels? Well as per my blog I have been working on a solar panel MeshAP (WI-FI) connection. I saw the benefit of having wireless mesh having it's own power. But to share that power with a street light and use the pole as a transmission tower as well WI-FI connection is outstanding. It is like "killing two birds with one stone." But in this case it would be 3 birds.

I do however see problems with the technology. The solar panel would have to be very powerful not only to power a street lamp but also to run a access point. It can be done but we forget that some street poles also carry communication lines, electricity etc. I like the idea of solar panel street light but I think it may be too soon for such great ideas.