The VAR Guy will be in Las Vegas next week (April 2-5) for several business meetings. But don’t try striking up a conversation with him when he’s walking The Las Vegas Strip. He’ll be too busy testing a new wireless broadband network deployed by Cheetah Wireless Technologies (CWTI). The network, which uses wireless mesh technology from BelAir Networks, highlights growing opportunities for VARs in the public broadband sector.

Unlike many wireless networks, the Vegas system works inside and outside of hotels. Hmm. Can’ t wait to see how casino security guards react when The VAR Guy trys to use WiFi at the blackjack tables.

Kidding aside, solutions providers like Cheetah Wireless Technologies Inc. (CWTI) are busy designing and deploying public broadband networks across North America. Many of the networks promise to enhance economic development while mitigating the digital divide. That’s a fancy way of saying everybody in the country, regardless of income, deserves affordable broadband access. Solutions providers and IT consultants in the public broadband market include 4G Metro, Outsource Inc. and Unplugged Cities.

Care to learn more about public broadband, WiFi, WiMAX and city-wide fiber optics? Check out MuniWireless.com or join The VAR Guy at MuniWireless 2007: New England, scheduled for June 3-5. Or you can try to track down The VAR Guy next week as he walks The Vegas Strip–and sneaks in a few rides on the New York, New York Hotel’s massive roller coaster.