Wi-Fi Plans Dropped Over Health Concerns

Officials in the California city of Sebastopol have gone back on an agreement with an Internet provider that was planning to create a municipal Wi-Fi network for the city. They cited health concerns in their decision.

1 minute read

March 28, 2008, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The City Council voted 4-0 last week to rescind an agreement with Sonic.net that would have allowed the Santa Rosa-based Internet provider to install the network in the city center as it has done in the downtowns of Santa Rosa and Petaluma."

"Sebastopol Mayor Craig Litwin thanked Sonic for a 'very nice gesture' but said citizens had voiced concerns that 'create enough suspicion that there may be a health hazard.'"

"Sonic CEO Dane Jasper said his company is sympathetic to those who blame radiofrequency signals for their health problems."

"But he maintained that the exposure from a Wi-Fi network would be 'a drop in the bucket' compared to the amount that people receive daily from TV, radio and cellular phone signals."

Monday, March 24, 2008 in The Press Democrat

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