Tucson Ditches Citywide Wi-Fi, Focuses On Areas Of Need

City officials in Tucson, Arizona, have called off plans to implement a citywide Wi-Fi system, opting instead to build access points only in those parts of the well-connected city where rates of access to the internet are low.

1 minute read

November 13, 2007, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The city studied the prospect of a citywide wireless Internet system earlier this year, and although most residents already have high-speed Internet access, some members of the City Council were interested in adding wireless access for those who don't have it. The wireless system was thought to be cheaper than most residential, regular high-speed Internet service."

"Because of the high connectivity here, and problems in other cities mainly involving high cost to the municipality, Ann Strine, the city's information technology director, said she will recommend the council take a different approach."

"Instead of adding Internet to many areas of the city that are already connected, the city plans to add it in public places so those who do not have computers or Internet connections can still benefit from the technology."

"Council members said it's a good way to help those who need better access but not spend money adding a new system to the whole city."

Monday, November 12, 2007 in Arizona Daily Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business