Free WiFi

Free WiFi! WOW! Can this be a reality? It certainly looks that way. According to unconfirmed reports, it seems that Google.Net is developing technology to provide free access to WiFi for all in the US.

To achieve this, first it would need to build a national broadband network that is massive enough to rival even the country's biggest Internet service providers. According to rumors, Google is already building such a network, though it seems that there are many other reasons for this as well. They have been discreetly shopping for miles and miles of 'dark' or unused, fiber-optic cable across the country from wholesalers such as New York's AboveNet. They are also acquiring super fast connections from Cogent Communications and WilTel, among others, between East Coast cities including Atlanta, Miami and New York.

Such large-scale purchases are unprecedented for an Internet company, but Google's timing is impeccable. With the several telecom bankruptcies, there are ample great deals, which Google is taking good advantage of to unleash a flood of new, bandwidth-hungry applications. These offerings could include everything from a digital-video database to on-demand television programming.

In April a Google sponsored WiFi hotspot was opened in San Francisco's Union Square shopping district, built by a local startup called Feeva. Feeva is reportedly readying more free hotspots in California, Florida, New York and Washington, and it's possible that Google may be involved.

New Orleans to enjoy free WiFi access

It certainly looks like we are moving towards free WiFi as T-Mobile has also announced that they will offer free WiFi access across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for a stipulated time and may be also beyond it that if the situation warrants it.

T-Mobile hotspots can be found in locations such as Borders, FedEx/Kinko's, Starbucks, Hyatt Hotels, Red Roof Inn motels, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways.

This is what the company had to say... "The free service is intended for those who have been displaced from their homes or are seeking refuge from the hurricane".