Google Paying Frisco To Setup Wi-Fi

Not only has Google made the city of San Francisco an offer to provide city-wide wireless Internet access, the city may even make money on the deal. By now, everyone's heard how Google stepped in mentioned this in passing (emphasis added): Google's proposal calls for a "mesh" wireless network that would use 20 to 30 "access radio points" per square mile -- or more than a thousand citywide -- on telephone poles and rooftops throughout San Francisco. Google told the city its only requirement would be access to the poles and rooftops, for which it would reimburse the city at fair market value.'" Not only would the city have its Wi-Fi provided for free, but it would make money by accepting Google's proposal. It's tough to see Gavin Newsom and the city council turning down the Googleplex in this scenario. Another target affected collaterally by Google's proposal could be search engine competitor Yahoo. SBC Communications has partnered with Yahoo to offer DSL in several states. SBC's proposal to the city could easily have incorporated a partnership with Yahoo. Shunting SBC aside would give Google a little victory over its biggest search advertising competitor, a situation that may have people in Sunnyvale kicking themselves this morning. Digital Divide The legislation in question,