Wifi Revolution

Software giant Microsoft (News - Alert) has jumped on board MetroFi’s WiFi network project in Portland, Oregon. Together the two companies will be creating an ad-supported network in the city, allowing users to access the service for free.

 

Microsoft’s role in the partnership, Tele.com said in a report Wednesday, is to provide Internet browser-based advertisements, generating funds needed to maintain the network. The software company also will provide the Web page users see when logging into the network.

 

Portland is a test for Microsoft; if it likes how things go, the company plans to get involved in seven other existing MetroFi-run WiFi networks, and potentially future ones as well, Tele.com said.

 

MetroFi currently operates WiFi (News - Alert) networks in several Silicon Valley cities, Associated Press said in a report Wednesday, and plans are in the works to establish 13 additional networks across the U.S..

 

MetroFi will be rolling out a two square mile WiFi network next month in Portland, and plans to increase coverage to include 95 percent of the city within the next 18 months, Tele.com said. Users who prefer not to be met with ads every time they log on will have an option of subscribing for $20 per month.

 

The initial launch of the network will cover Pioneer Courthouse Square, “a popular gathering place in downtown Portland,” AP said.

 

Ads and other targeted content from Microsoft will be delivered through that company’s adCenter platform.

The AP report quotes MSN Media Network Group manager at Microsoft as saying that the software company partnered with MetroFi “because it has one of the largest municipal Wi-Fi footprints of any provider.”

Mae Kowalke previously wrote for Cleveland Magazine in Ohio and The Burlington Free Press in Vermont. To see more of her articles, please visit Mae Kowalke’s columnist page. Also check out her Wireless Mobility blog.

Back to WiFi Revolution home