Atlanta The Latest City To Consider Municipal Wi-Fi

"Although Atlanta is one of the South's most wired cities, the metro area lags far behind others, such as Philadelphia and San Francisco, in moving toward widespread adoption of public Wi-Fi systems...Some city leaders also believe Wi-Fi networks can be a feather in the cap of a community trying to attract visitors, businesses and residents."

The economic development potential of municipal Wi-Fi networks also prompted Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to propose a new state grant program for citywide public wireless networks. The $4 million in state grants would "help promote economic development, improve educational opportunities and provide new ways for local governments to deliver information and services to residents."