Wi-Fi for the public growing

When key areas of the the Hawaii State Capitol begin providing wireless Internet access in April (Star Bulletin, Feb. 18), Hawaii will join other states with Wi-Fi'd state capitols. According to the SB article, proposed contractor Hawaiian Telcom should complete the project in time for the work of House-Senate conference committees.

On the municipal front, according to a March 1 AP story, of three major cities planning Wi-Fi networks - Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia - Philadelphia has advanced the furthest with plans to have its network completed next spring. Agreements have been signed between Earthlink and Wireless Philadelphia, the nonprofit overseeing the 135-square-mile digital infrastructure.

In San Francisco, a Feb. 21 press release from the Mayor announced the close of the 45-day period for proposals to build the city's broadband network.

Chicago would be the biggest city to go wireless if all its 228 square miles are covered, AP reported Feb. 17. Its system could be up in 2007.

In Los Angeles, Wi-Fi is being installed in a high-crime housing development, with a twist. "Dual Vision" in the Feb. 2006 issue of Government Technology relates the plans of the Los Angeles Police Dept. (LAPD) to install surveillance cameras in the Jordan Downs development:

But the cameras aren't just about surveillance - they will provide wireless Internet access to more than 2,000 residents of Jordan Downs in an effort to bridge the digital divide.

The project will use Motorola equipment, and Motorola plans to donate computers to the community.

Other related FR posts:

• Statehouse blogging
• Counties go wireless
• Honolulu Hale lukewarm
• Wi-Fi courtesy of your city