Cities ponder offering wireless coverage for free

LIFE, LIBERTY, the pursuit of happiness and free WiFi. Is this our new standard of American freedoms?

Increasingly, Americans think that municipal governments should not just fix potholes and maintain water pipes but also should serve up free high-speed wireless Internet access to residents, according to reports.

While there are as strong voices against this idea — not the least of which are the traditional telephone and cable companies — more than 200 cities in the United States offer some form of broadband Internet network funded by the municipal government. The city of Alexandria, Va., launched its free WiFi in June. Philadelphia plans to spend about $10 million to provide citywide WiFi.

In the high-tech mecca of the Bay Area, no citywide municipal WiFi network exists yet. But several local government agencies have installed WiFi for public safety employees, and more broadly used networks could be coming, if San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has his way.

By Francine Brevetti – STAFF WRITER

Full Story: http://www.insidebayarea.com/businessnews/ci_2922941