Houston Plans Citywide Wi-Fi Network

"Terms of the agreement put Houston in line to have the largest such network in North America, covering nearly all of the city's 600 square miles by spring of 2009, Mayor Bill White told the Chronicle."

"Some low-income residents could get subsidized access for as little as $10 a month, and most customers would pay less than they do now."

"'This is a very important initiative for Houston as it will bring the consumer cost of broadband down significantly and already has,' said Mayor Bill White in the news release. 'It will provide a scarce resource to help our low-income households have access, benefiting students at home, helping telecommuters for whom childcare or transportation creates limitations, and benefiting telemedicine in the future. Houston's workforce will be more productive.'"

"The agreement calls for free access in some public places, including parks and libraries, and a discounted rate to the city for its government facilities, White said."

"Some limited government advocates say the development of wireless Internet should be left entirely to private enterprise."

"White argues, however, that a public-private partnership gives vendors incentive to invest in the project and ensures the service is extended to all parts of town."