Portland Ramping Up to Free City-wide Wi-Fi
Published Mar 06, 2007
In phases, Portland is getting a free wireless network citywide.
For proof of Portland’s high-tech credentials, consider this: It’s backing a citywide wireless network for Internet access. What’s more, the endeavor poses little risk for taxpayers.
“Portland is a tech-savvy town, and we wanted to make sure that everyone who wanted it could get access to the Internet,” says Portland Commissioner Erik Sten, who was a leader in the effort to provide Wi-Fi throughout Portland. Thus, the city partnered with a California-based company, MetroFi, that builds, owns and operates the network.
The wireless access is free at a reduced bandwidth and supported by advertising. For a higher bandwidth without the ads, consumers pay $20 monthly.
Wi-Fi will streamline and enhance services, from enabling police officers to download information in the field to providing riders with information on bus and rail arrivals.
Scott Robinson, chief technology officer for Portland Public Schools, says Wi-Fi will boost communication among school administrators, teachers, students and parents. “This is just one more piece of the puzzle ... to help broaden community outreach,” he says.
Wi-Fi also benefits small businesses, says Rasheed Ahmed, Portland Development Commission senior project coordinator, and it enhances the city’s image as “a hub of innovative technology activity.”
Story by Sharon H. Fitzgerald
Photo by Brian McCord
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