Philly's Wi-Fi Plans Move Forward

Philadelphia unveiled its plan Thursday to provide low-cost wireless Internet access throughout the city's 135 square-mile area. The city will build the network, although it will resell access to ISPs, communications companies and non-profit organizations that will handle the billing and supplying of equipment for customers to access the service.

The city itself plans to "buy" access from the network to use for communication between city offices. The city was one of the first major metropolitan areas to throw its support behind the technology, and started a trend among cities to bypass telecommunications companies and build the networks themselves.

Municipalities have complained that corporations are taking too long to build the networks.

A controversial deal was struck with Verizon, who vehemently opposed the city's plan. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed a law barring any other city or town from building a similar network, however, they let the Philadelphia project go forward. It is unclear whether any towns plan to challenge the law.

"I reject the idea that this network has to be built because service is not available," said Eric Rabe, vice president of communications at Verizon. "Verizon and Comcast today cover all of Philadelphia. Broadband may not be available the way the city wants it, so they have a right to try something different."

However, that sentiment is not shared by most residents, and the major consumer groups have applauded the city's efforts to bring low-cost wi-fi to the masses.

The project, which was first announced in January, has a estimated cost of $10 million and is expected to be available by the summer of 2006.