Philly Wi-Fi Moves Closer to Reality

EarthLink has finalized a contact to blanket the city of Philadelphia with wireless Internet access, the city said on Monday. Pending approval by City Council in February, construction of the 135-square-mile wireless hot spot would start shortly after signing of the contract.

A test area would be built out over a 15-square-mile area of Northeast Philadelphia to prove the system's effectiveness. If the test is successful, the entire city could be wireless by the spring of next year.

EarthLink wouldn't necessarily provide Internet access to all residents, however. As well as offering a plan itself, as part of the contract EarthLink is required to sell access to other providers at a rate of $9 per month. While no specific rate for the end consumer was set in these contracts, the city is hoping to keep access under $20 per month.

In an interview with BetaNews in November, EarthLink's Director of Next Generation Broadband, Cole Reinwand, said that the openness of the network is one of the most important aspects of the company's Wi-Fi strategy.

"Cable companies, local and national ISPs, could all be part of it," Reinwand said. "I think that's what's enhanced our offering; cities like more competition and more choice."

The cost of building out the network would be paid for by EarthLink, and would be the largest Wi-Fi service offering in the country. EarthLink would also have the ability to renew the ten-year agreement.

EarthLink will pay a fee to mount equipment on city infrastructure, which would benefit Wireless Philadelphia. The non-profit group is working to provide affordable broadband for all of the city's residents, as well as ensuring citizens, businesses, schools and community organizations get the most out of the network.