San Francisco and Philadelphia have joined a growing list of cities and smaller communities committed to offering Wi-Fi broadband service for their residents. But many of these projects face big challenges.

EarthLink wins Philly Wi-Fi contract

Net provider beats HP for high-profile contract to provide $20-a-month wireless Net access to city residents.
October 4, 2005

Google faces obstacles in S.F. Wi-Fi bid

Lawsuits or legislation could stymie deal, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says.
October 3, 2005

In San Francisco, Google a 'wireless overlord'?

Responding to a proposal to blanket the city with free wireless Net service, some fret about privacy, others welcome the shake-up.
October 1, 2005

previous coverage

Study: Wi-Fi services to bring in the bucks

The pace of growth will drop in the short term, In-Stat said, but by 2009, worldwide revenue may top $3 billion.
September 20, 2005

Cities join Intel's Wi-Fi program

Thirteen municipalities participate in a pilot program, called "Digital Communities," to build commercially viable wireless networks.
August 18, 2005

FAQ: Wi-Fi mooching and the law

Is it legal to use another's network without asking? Is it OK to share your own network? It's not always clear.
July 8, 2005

The citywide Wi-Fi reality check

Wireless technology tempts cities that want to offer low-cost broadband to residents, but operating a network is no walk in the park.
May 27, 2005