MetroFi, Microsoft launch Portland Wi-Fi
InfoWorld | at | by Mike
Portland, Oregon, became the latest city to launch a municipal wireless network, starting a free, ad-supported service featuring localized content and services from Microsoft's MSN.
The network, being built by MetroFi Inc., went live in a few central neighborhoods on Tuesday and is intended eventually to provide Internet access in 95 percent of the city's indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cities and counties around the U.S. want to build wireless networks to promote business and tourism, provide Internet access to residents who can't get or afford wired broadband, or add another choice to the usual options of cable or DSL.