techdirt resonded to the boston.com article:

We've always supported local governments' rights to offer muni-broadband, if appropriate. However, suddenly it seems that offering muni-broadband, and muni-WiFi specifically, has become so popular that people in cities like Boston are complaining that without muni-WiFi, they won't be considered a "tech city." This is silly. Cities should make sure that such offerings are actually needed.

If the free-market thinks we need wireless, they'll take care of it.

I use wireless every day - either pay at Starbucks or free at the public libraries.

There's no reason to involve the government.