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City wants Net with no walls

By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published July 12, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - The city is moving forward with a plan to add wireless Internet capability citywide.

Officials are seeking bids to bring Web access across the entire 60-square-mile city. Responses from companies are due Aug. 16.

Several chain businesses in the city - such as McDonald's and Starbucks - already are Internet ready, but Mayor Rick Baker wants to expand the opportunity to street corners, city parks and elsewhere.

The service will not be free, but the daily or monthly charge is not yet known, city officials said.

In lieu of getting the city's business, St. Petersburg officials have asked companies to consider some free services, possibly in city buildings and parks, or for mobile city employees.

The city has also asked companies to provide prioritized access for city officials, and for a portion of any profits.

The concept of a citywide Internet service is not new to communities in the Tampa Bay area, which are looking for an additional marketing tool to entice tourists, residents and businesses.

Dunedin was one of the first cities in the state to build a citywide Internet network. It should be complete this summer.

And the city of Treasure Island also wants to add WiFi. The city is negotiating with Citi WiFi of St. Petersburg to bring service to Treasure Island residents for between $24.99 and $29.95 a month.

If all goes as planned, St. Petersburg officials say a deal to build the wireless network could be in place by the end of this year.

[Last modified July 11, 2006, 23:19:47]