August 18, 2006

Wednesday, Google officially launched its Wi-Fi network in its hometown of Mountain View, California.

Transmitter units mounted on lampposts throughout Mountain View are now distributing Google's Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Access utilizing the 802.11b/g protocol.

Google's new service brings wireless Internet access to the city's residents, businesses, and its many tourists.

All a person needs is a laptop or other wireless-enabled device and a web browser to get online. Then Mountain View users can select the "Google-WiFi" signal, open their web browser and sign in with a free Google Account.

To learn more about Google's new network coverage area and the location of the Wi-Fi transponders, Google has published a map.

Google's new Wi-Fi network is its way to give back to and engage with the community where its headquarters are located.

"As the product manager for Google Wi-Fi, it has been has been tremendously rewarding to partner with the local government, the schools, the library, the neighborhood associations, and all of our trusted testers to introduce the power of free, wireless Internet connectivity to the city. I look forward to meeting with more members of the community at upcoming training sessions and ice cream socials" said a Google spokeperson.

Another goal of Google's new WiFi network is to promote alternative access technologies by using Mountain View as an example for organizations considering investments in the Wi-Fi arena.

Google thinks successful mesh wireless deployments will promote competition, create lower-cost access alternatives, and, if done correctly, it will foster open, standards-compliant platforms for content and service providers to showcase their applications without the hassle of the traditional walled-garden approach.

For additional information about Google Wi-Fi, you can read Google's Frequently Asked Questions available at http://wifi.google.com/support.

If you're in the neighborhood, you can stop by and give the network a try, or RSVP to attend Google's community training session on August 23.

Finally, Google wishes to thank the city of Mountain View for being such a great partner.

Source: Google.