Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Microsoft Battles Google for City WiFi
The race for controlling the ads that appear on free municipal WiFi services is heating up as Microsoft announced adCenter will power the free internet access in Portland, OR.In a partnership with MetroFi, Microsoft will sponsor the service that by next year should deliver free WiFi to 95 percent of the inhabitants of the Rose City.
MetroFi currently maintains municipal WiFi networks in Google's backyard at six Silicon Valley and Bay Area locations. The quality of reception is questioned as Google's WiFi network in Mountain View, CA has been experiencing technical difficulties.
Whether or not enough ad revenue can be generated to support the wireless networks is an open question. But appears that in major metropolitan areas you'll be able to browse for free, similar to the TV model.
MSN hopes that local searches will be popular, which makes sense since at least some of the uses will be tourists looking for places to buy.
Posted By John Gartner at 02:14 PM
Permanent Link: Microsoft Battles Google for City WiFi
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