Analyst cool on Chicago citywide WiFi plan

February 22, 2006

Chicago's plans for a citywide WiFi system could fizzle because of the large number of hot spots already in operation, an analyst said.

A report for LightReading Insider this week warned that the Windy City has free wireless Internet access already up and running in the downtown areas and in 79 public libraries.

"It is already relatively easy to find a free WiFi signal," the report said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

LightReading analyst Tim Kridel also warned that so much WiFi is coming on line in Chicago that there is a chance that the signals from the city's 500-plus hot spots could begin interfering with one another.

Chicago plans to seek proposals from wireless vendors for a citywide WiFi network that would be constructed without taxpayer funds.

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