[treis]

>Same question, why not “laser focus” your efforts on convincing one technically proficient investor with deep pockets, rather than having to convince 100s-1000s via crowd-funding?

Traditionally the franchise model allows for small entrepreneurs to tackle local problems while benefiting from economies of scale. In this case, small entrepreneurs can tackle connecting at the neighborhood level while wifi dabba can negotiate bulk equipment rates and tackle things like support. It's hard to scale out something like laying wire in a neighborhood because ultimately you have to hire people that don't really care about the business. They're less effecient and effective than a franchise owner who has a profit motive.

[halter73]

In this "franchise" model, the franchisees are passive investors not small entrepreneurs connecting at the neighborhood level. From the article:

> Fully managed service Be an absentee landlord

...

> Senior engineers from Google, Apple and a host of other technology companies purchased the PoPs.