Toledo leaders move to create citywide wireless internet network
1/17/2007Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said the city has issued a request for proposals to establish a citywide wireless internet network.
The mayor said if the project comes together, Toledo would be the first major Ohio city to offer such service citywide.
Wireless internet, known as Wi-Fi, allows users to access the Internet without having to be plugged into a telephone or a cable modem.
Toledo economic development specialist Todd Davies said wireless access is rapidly becoming essential to businesses.
Bidders are asked to reply by Feb. 20. The winning bidder would have the exclusive license to be Wireless Toledo, but would have to provide free service for all city functions, such as police and fire.
Patsy Scott, the mayor s information technology director, said the winning bidder will likely invest $10 million. She said Toledoans will be able to subscribe to the service, and that the typical cost in other cities is $20 to $25 per month.
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