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EarthLink Proposes Citywide Wireless Network in Boston

7:30 am on February 26, 2006 | Category: Business, Internet, Wi-Fi, Wireless Technology

Popular internet service provider, EarthLink, has recently made a proposal to Boston city officials, to create a citywide wireless network in that city and deliver cheap broadband access to residents, at no cost to taxpayers.

In its preliminary proposal blueprint, EarthLink says that it plans to partner with Motorola and Tropos Networks to install Wi-Fi equipment on telephone polls, lamp posts, and other city assets.

Free access would be provided within certain hotspots, and residents could tap in to the network from their own homes for just $20 per month. Service would be available in some low-income neighborhoods for as little as $10 per month.

These rates would be far cheaper than broadband providers like Comcast and Verizon, which generally entail a monthly charge of over $30.

Under EarthLinkâ€™s proposal, the company would retain ownership of the network, and cover all installation, maintenance, and upgrade costs.

No word yet on when or if city officials plan to meet with EarthLink about possible implementation of this ambitious new plan.

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