There are lots of alternatives to wireless broadband, everyone...

There are lots of alternatives to wireless broadband, everyone knows that. Extension of the ADSL availability the main one and thats much more cost effective as most of the infrastructure in place.

If the transmitters for these things are sittign on top of buildings, is there any worry about the health hazards for the workers sitting underneath the antenas?

Agree with your point on cost of fibreoptic cable though. Check out NCA"s attempts as a case study, and warnign of the pitfalls.