Google WiFi to be free in San Francisco

Late last week, Google submitted a proposal to offer free Wi-Fi services to the city of San Francisco. Under the TechConnect program proposed by the city’s mayor, Gavin Newsom, Google and other large telcos plan to create a universal system to offer San Francisco residents and businesses broadband Internet access anywhere in the city.

This looks to be the first step in Google’s nationwide wireless coverage plan, Google’s proposal includes the deployment of 802.11b/g standards wireless equipment which will then be upgraded to 802.11n once made official.

Google Wi-Fi will be an “open” service, where the wholesaling of wireless bandwidth to third party companies for premium services will add incentive to the proposal.