Philadelphia expands free Wi-Fi access zone
The city of brotherly love expands free outdoor wireless Internet access--a first among major U.S. cities.
It is the first major U.S. city to start a citywide wireless Internet project, although some smaller communities already have such networks, said Dianah Neff, a city spokeswoman and head of the wireless project.
The expansion offers Web access to users of Wi-Fi-enabled computers and devices within a radius of about a mile from the first so-called hot spot--downtown's Love Park, where the project originated earlier this year.
"It will have a huge impact on the perception of Philadelphia as a 21st-century city and a progressive place," Mayor John Street told a news conference.
Locating local internet providers
A city-led task force is talking with business groups and schools to expand the wireless area elsewhere in the city. It aims to complete its plan by early December and invite bids from Internet service providers and equipment suppliers by February next year, Neff said.
If suppliers sign contracts by early 2005, the citywide network could be operating within a year, Neff said. The estimated initial cost of the project is $7 million to $10 million.
Locating local internet providers
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