EVERETT β This former mill town turned all-America city may soon enjoy something few cities in the country can boast: free, wireless Internet access everywhere within its borders. Unlike some city programs, where only downtown business districts or parks have wireless capability, MetroFi focuses on residential users. Someone with a wireless-enabled laptop could pull up MapQuest.
Grand Avenue Park in north Everett could become an alternative work site for computer users on a warm afternoon. Those who frequent local hot spots, or wireless access points, as an alternative to residential Internet service could surf the Web at home.
Knowing what he knows about what MetroFi could do for Everett, Nieslen believes that if the city acted quickly, it could be part of a new wave in technology. Nielsen said the committee will likely investigate MetroFi and other companies that offer municipal Wi-Fi. The service β the first of its kind in the nation β is free to city government and residents. Each pole was fitted with wireless components that provide a service range of about feet. About a third of the square-mile city has wireless access; the rest is expected to get the service in the coming months.
The company is a finalist to provide free service in Portland, Ore. Stephanson worked for Verizon for 30 years. The Everett Police Department is already on the cutting edge of technology, the mayor said. A dozen patrol cars are wireless-equipped, and five more will be added this year.
As far as citywide wireless goes, Stephanson said it could take a year or more to assess the possibilities. Wi-Fi goes nationwide A handful of cities provide hot spots for a limited amount of time, usually in a business district or park. Others charge residents for W-Fi service. Spokane surprised the nation in when it became one of the first U. A block downtown area was blanketed with antennas by Spokane-based Vivato, a now-defunct Wi-Fi company.
