Meraki Gives Free Wi-Fi to San Francisco
298721
Meraki, a wireless-networking startup, announced plans on Friday to deploy a citywide wireless network that will provide free Internet access for every neighborhood in San Francisco.
495525
San Francisco city officials could bring the city&#39;s proposed Wi-Fi network closer to reality at two meetings this week as a key leader proposes significant changes to the plan.
88461
A startup says it can give subway riders wireless Internet access that's faster than most home broadband in the U.S.
161957
San Franciscoâs mayor, Gavin Newsom, remains committed to a plan to roll out a citywide Wi-Fi network despite EarthLinkâs decision to bow out an agreement to build the system.
384142
SAN JOSE, Calif. _ Gordon Hamachi, a software developer who lives in Mountain View, Calif., just started using the new free wireless computer network that Google has launched to cover the entire city.
542301
JiWire will offer iPhone and iPod Touch users ad-supported Wi-Fi Internet access for free in select locations.
595428
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey rolled out free wireless Internet connections at the main Harold Washington Library Center and 76 branches.
318037
(InfoWorld) - Google Inc. has asked for the right to use as many as 1,500 San Francisco light poles for wireless equipment on a test network of its own, separate from the citywide Wi-Fi infrastructure that the company proposed along with EarthLink Inc. The search giant and EarthLink were chosen earlier this year through a request for proposals to build a wireless network around the city that would provide free Internet access as well as a faster, paid service. EarthLink, which would build and operate the network, is now in negotiations with the city on the details of the deal. The network is to be built at no cost to the city, which would provide light poles and other places to mount access points. The Wi-Fi plan, as well as the city's process for seeking proposals and input on it, have sparked protest from activists and public officials who are worried that the city is giving the private companies free rein and getting too little in return. They have asked for city ownership, more privacy guarantees for users and funding to help disadvantaged residents get on the Internet. EarthLink told the city earlier this month that Google wanted access to 450 light poles for a test network, with the option to expand it to 1,500 poles, as a condition of its participating in the project, according to a regular disclosure by the city about the negotiations. Google doesn't want a direct contract with the city for use of the poles, but would rather wrap those rights into the overall Wi-Fi contract, the disclosure said. However, Google's request may not get very far, according to a city official involved in the negotiations. "I don't think we'll be able to accommodate them through this RFP process," said Brian Roberts, a senior policy analyst for the city. The idea seems to go too far beyond the concept presented in response to the RFP, he said. The proposal surprised Kimo Crossman, a local activist who has been watching the negotiation process. Such an arrangement would give Google a valuable asset, he said. "It's all about real estate. It's about getting access to the poles and the buildings, and you'll figure out what you'll do with it later," Crossman said. Google executives could not immediately be reached for comment.
446367
By JUDY O'ROURKE  SANTA CLARITA -- The days of patronizing certain food or coffee joints to tap a wireless Internet feed may soon be past, with citywide access on the horizon.
548799
InfoWorld - Wireless networking startup Meraki plans to deliver free wireless Internet access, supported by advertising, across San Francisco by the end of the year, it announced Friday.
18411
Company wants access to San Francisco light poles for separate test while building citywide net.
392452
San Francisco&#39;s mayor set a goal on Thursday of providing free wireless Internet connection citywide. &quot;We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless Internet service,&quot; Gavin Newsom
260729
Wireless networking startup Meraki plans to deliver free wireless Internet access, supported by advertising, across San Francisco by the end of the year, it announced Friday.
155005
With a rash of muni Wi-Fi projects collapsing, companies and cities realize their initial approaches to providing ubiquitous, free network connectivity aren't working. The problem is Wi-Fi is too expensive to deploy, and there's not enough user demand.
370965
By Terri Hardy, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.  Jun. 22--Residents and visitors will have access to free wireless Internet coverage in most areas of the city by October 2009 under a deal approved Thursday by the City Council.
372885
PALO ALTO, Calif. -- A Silicon Valley startup wants to shake up the telecommunications industry with a $399 gizmo that provides free, unlimited domestic phone calls for homes with broadband Internet service.
617267
Meraki, a Silicon Valley startup, pledges to "free the net" and it will expand free Wi-Fi coverage beyond two San Francisco neighborhoods to an additional six communities within the city. With funding from Google and Sequoia Capital, and a lot of community volunteers, it might work.