This news interested me. How many cities in America are WiFi enabled so far? Is it possible to carry IP phone yet? What are the downside? Having IP phone means you must go to WiFi hotspot to make a VoIP call? Another question, do you have to pay for using hotspot?

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Wi-Pie in the sky?
Mar 9th 2006
From The Economist print edition


WE WILL not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless-internet service. It was a typically bold statement from Gavin Newsom, the charismatic young mayor of San Francisco, as he announced plans in October 2004 for a Wi-Fi network that would blanket the city with wireless-internet coverage. Mr Newsom thus joined a nationwide movement of cities across America that are planning to provide wireless-broadband access for government workers, residents and businesses.…

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what you are talking about is a technology called WiMax, WiFi in steroids. You probably know WiFi has the range of only 300ft, but WiMax can cover the whole city and more.

I believe Philadelphia has or is in the process of being the first city with WiMax, thanks to Verizon(I am not sure about the company). Google wants to do the same for San Fran. Only yesterday, Intel made public its billion dollar plan (yes, that's with "b") of bringing internet technologies to developing countries and WiMax is at the top of their list.

Well those are enablers. There certainly are detractors and inhibitors such as ISPs, telecoms and cable operators who don't want this to happen because it will directly harm their bottom line and they are lobbying the senate and the house quite desparately.

Let's see what happens. I am certain it is a matter of when, not if.

City of Sunnyvale (in California) is already doing it.

http://www.siliconbeat.com/entries/2005/12/03/sunnyvale_gets_wireless_internet_but_must_watch_ads.html

There is another city which already has WiFi access. Just look at this.

http://pda.physorg.com/lofi-news-wireless-wifi-ottawa_605.html