Houston to build 1500 sq km WiFi network
Houston officials have struck a deal with EarthLink to build a citywide wireless internet network that would eventually be the largest in the US at about 1,500 square kilometres.
Houston would join more than 250 communities across the nation that plan to or already offer wireless internet to residents, businesses and government workers. Once completed, Houston's municipal Wi-Fi network would be the largest in North America, EarthLink officials say.
"You can certainly say things are bigger in Texas," said Craig Setters, an industry analyst and author of the book Fighting The Good Fight For Municipal Wireless.
At an afternoon news conference, Mayor Bill White used the word "enormous," citing the estimated $US50 million ($A64 million) that EarthLink would invest in setting up the infrastructure and the 10,000 transmitters that will be placed on light and utility poles throughout the city.
