Free Internet Access in San Francisco, where did it go?

A couple of years back I heard of a deal between some internet provider (I believe it was Netscape) and San Francisco to do a pilot program of free internet throughout the city. Obviously today we know that something happened along the way to make it not work out.

Any idea as to why? Did the city pull out? Why would the community not want that?

asked 12 Apr '10, 18:33

4grim
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edited 12 Apr '10, 22:15

ashbury ♦♦
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nice question; forgot about this proposal

(12 Apr '10, 22:16) ashbury ♦♦

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I think what you're talking about is the San Francisco Municipal Wireless Proposal - which was to provide free, wireless Internet access throughout San Francisco, but was canceled by the city on September 2007, due to Earthlinks financial situation and lack of commitment.

The network was originally proposed by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004. In late 2005, the city put out a formal request for proposals, and in April 2006 it was announced that a joint proposal by Earthlink and Google had won the bid. The San Francisco Budget Analyst completed a report that analyzes possibilities for a municipal system and critiques the proposed Google/Earthlink option. The proposal was formally scrapped by the city on 12 September 2007, citing a loss of confidence in Earthlink's financial situation.

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answered 12 Apr '10, 22:12

ashbury ♦♦
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Asked: 12 Apr '10, 18:33

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Last updated: 12 Apr '10, 22:15

Free Internet Access in San Francisco, where did it go?

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