WBNS 10TV : Columbus Hopes To Build Wi-Fi Cloud - WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio's News Leader

(Ben's note: Saw this article this morning. I hope it happens )


WBNS 10TV : Columbus Hopes To Build Wi-Fi 'Cloud' - WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio's News Leader

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The City of Columbus is applying for tens of millions of federal dollars to create what would the largest wireless network in the state.

The so-called Wi-Fi "cloud" would enable users of laptop computers and other wireless devices to connect to Internet, and to each other, throughout the city, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported.

On Monday night, City Council agreed to seek nearly $38 million in federal stimulus dollars to fund a city-wide wireless broadband network.

The city wants to use the network for things like reading water meters rather than going house to house; allowing hospitals to provide tele-medicine by talking to patients over the computer; and for police to download critical information in their onboard computers before they arrive at emergency scene.

The Wi-Fi "cloud" is also seen as a lure to attract new businesses to the city.

"I believe this is our first step to encourage economic growth for the City of Columbus," council member Troy Miller said.

If Columbus builds the wireless network, the service would not be free to the public.

The cost to users is not yet known.

The city hopes to learn by November if it qualifies for government funding.

Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.