Wi-Fi Coming to the Milwaukee Area

There is good news for computer owners and Internet users in Milwaukee.   The city is going wireless.   A private company is building the city a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi stands for “wireless fidelity.” It allows people to log onto the Internet without using a phone line.

The goal is to make all of Milwaukee wireless. It may be the first major city in the United States to do so.

The goal is to give computer users Internet access from anywhere in the city. All they need is the proper computer software. They also must subscribe to an Internet server for full service.

18 months to install underground lines

Midwest Fiber Networks is building the system. It will install underground fiber optic lines across the city. It will attach antennas to street lights and other city properties. Those antennas will then send signals to each computer.

The entire project will be done in 18 months.            

Users will be able to access about 60 Web sites for no charge. There will be a monthly fee to visit other sites on the network. It is expected to be about $20.

The Milwaukee Common Council approved the deal in January.

“It's a real feather in the cap for the community,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. “On all fronts, it's a winner.”

Others agree.

“I think it's going to be a great thing for the city,” Kathy Lang, Marquette University's chief information officer, said.   The Marquette University area will be up and running first to allow the university to help test the system.

The deal will also help the poor. Midwest Fiber Networks is giving Milwaukee $150,000. It will help increase computer access for low-income residents. Some might get free computers.

Other networks likely

Milwaukee is not alone. Madison already has a small wireless network. It is growing.

Google has spoken with San Francisco, California, about a wireless network. Google is the large Internet search engine company.   

In addition, Waukesha, Wisconsin, may be getting a Wi-Fi network. It, too, would give wireless Internet access to all city residents for a fee.  

Talks are just starting. Early reaction has been positive.

“Especially for our people who are Waukesha residents, this would make it easier for them to work from home,” Brian McKaig of GE Healthcare Technologies, said. “It is second nature for them to link up to a wireless network.”

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Waukesha Freeman