Anaheim has joined a growing list of cities that are looking to get into high-speed wireless Internet access.
The City Council is expected to consider a proposal this week by Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc. to build networks allowing Internet access via laptops, cell phones and other devices.
Under the proposal, EarthLink would pay to build the wireless network, with Anaheim providing access to telephone polls, streetlights and other city property.
Unlike some wireless network proposals for other cities, Earthlink would charge users for the service, though a price hasn’t been disclosed.
Anaheim, which provides water and electricity to residents, says a wireless network can boost economic development by helping to attract businesses and residents to Orange County’s largest city by area, said spokesman John Nicoletti.
Earthlink’s service could start by 2007, Nicoletti said. It would compete with other wireless service providers in the cable, phone and wireless phone industries. It would start with a pilot program.
Some question whether a city should be involved in providing a telecommunications service that people already can get from Internet service providers.
Internet, phone and cable television provider Cox Communications Inc. doesn’t offer service to Anaheim but opposes city networks.
“We believe government competition is inherently unfair,” said spokeswoman Ayn Craciun.
Fullerton is offering a wireless Internet network to some parts of downtown, and other OC cities seem open to considering wireless services as well.
About one square mile of the county’s Little Saigon area recently got wireless service as well.
For more on this story, see the Oct. 24 edition of the Business Journal.
