Google"s expansion into public Wi-Fi could be a boon to the embattled municipal broadband movement and presents intriguing new possibilities for the search giant, though putting the traditional carriers out of business isn"t likely to be one of them. The company took its wireless ambitions to the next step on Friday, submitting a proposal for providing wireless Internet access throughout San Francisco.
Few details of the plan were provided, but the city had asked for ideas and comments on how to provide access to everyone in the city either free of charge or at low cost. Google"s was one of 24 proposals received, Mayor Gavin Newsom said at a news conference Monday. If the rest of the decision-making process goes as smoothly as possible, such a service might go live within five or six months, Newsom said.