Free Citywide Wi-Fi In Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles City Council is discussing a motion to give Angelenos free Wi-Fi service. The measure was introduced last week by Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who chairs the Innovation, Technology and General Services Committee.

The city already offers Wi-Fi service at libraries, LAX, and parts of City Hall, but a citywide service would make Los Angeles the largest city in America to implement a universal Wi-Fi program. Houston, Minneapolis, Riverside, and San Jose already have free citywide wireless internet service.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made similar plans six years ago but never carried through. The Los Angeles Times had estimated that it would cost between $54 million to $62 million to blanket the city with Wi-Fi.