Google and Web Host EarthLink Come Close to SF-Wide Wireless Network

After months of negotiations, Google Inc. and Earthlink are coming close to finalizing a deal to build a San Francisco-wide wireless Internet network

January 3, 2007 – (TopHosts News Brief) – According to reports, after months of negotiations, Internet search leader Google Inc. and partner Earthlink are close to finalizing terms of a deal to build a San Francisco-wide wireless Internet network.

After more than nine months of negotiations, an agreement on contract terms means both sides have overcome major hurdles. The process, however, is by no means over. Before network construction can begin, the terms must be approved of by the city’s board of supervisors. Sources also say that although an official announcement could be made by this week, they cautioned that negotiations could unravel due to various issues.

The proposed San Francisco network would have two components; one made available for free, with a high-speed Internet network supported by advertisements appearing on computer or laptop screens logged onto the network. The proposal also calls for selling a faster, commercial-free wireless Internet service in San Francisco for $20 a month.

Other Earthlink municipal-wide wireless networks are also currently underway, as the company continues to extend its services to bigger, more captive audiences.

For more information visit http://www.earthlink.net.