Riverside, Calif., and AT&T Inc. announced Wednesday an agreement for an AT&T citywide Wi-Fi wireless broadband Internet access network which will eventually cover the city's 80-plus square miles.
The agreement represents the largest planned AT&T deployment of citywide Wi-Fi service to date and will be the nation's largest Wi-Fi network that is designed for both public and municipal use.
The planned network will add publicly accessible wireless broadband capabilities to the AT&T communications network in Riverside. The Wi-Fi network will enable residents, visitors, city employees and businesses to tap into it from virtually all developed areas within the city. Users will be able to choose from a variety of connectivity options, including a free advertising-supported access choice or a higher-speed access service offered by AT&T.
“Once implemented, this system will put Riverside at the leading edge of technology-rich cities,” said Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge. “This exciting project invests in our city's future and enhances our quality of life for all residents.”
The agreement calls for AT&T to deploy equipment on city light poles and fixtures throughout the coverage area. AT&T will maintain and upgrade the network and all related equipment, as well as handle all customer service operations. Wi-Fi connections will feed into the same AT&T backbone network infrastructure that delivers a full range of broadband services, including DSL broadband and virtual private networks for businesses.
Construction of the network is expected to begin shortly and service options will be available online in early 2007. AT&T will build the Riverside Wi-Fi network in association with MetroFi, a company focused on the design, development and implementation of citywide Wi-Fi networks.
AT&T Inc. www.att.com
City of Riverside www.riversideca.gov
