EarthLink Rolls-Out First Phase of Philadelphia Wi-Fi Network

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EarthLink Rolls-Out First Phase of Philadelphia Wi-Fi Network

6:10 am on May 27, 2007 | Category: Business, Wireless Technology, Internet, Wi-Fi

The City of Philadelphia has authorized EarthLink to turn on the first portion of its 135-square-mile citywide Wi-Fi network, within a 15-square-mile Proof of Concept (POC) area.

EarthLink has agreed to build, manage, and fund the mesh Wi-Fi project, which is set to become fully available sometime in the third quarter. Philadelphia residents will be able to order 1-Mbps wireless broadband access at a trial rate of $6.95/month for the first six months, and $19.95/month thereafter. Premium and business plans will also be offered.

“Wireless Philadelphia’s approval of the POC proves the technology and enhances our commitment to building a state-of-the-art wireless network not only in Philadelphia, but in many other cities across the country,” commented the president of EarthLink’s Municipal Networks division, Donald Berryman. “We are working quickly to deploy the remaining 120 square miles so that Philadelphia residents, visitors and workers can have access to a competitive alternative to existing high-speed Internet offerings, and the ability to stay connected — no matter where they are in the City.”