Menlo Park eyes broad wireless network Menlo Park eyes broad wireless network (January 25, 2006)

** City disregarded past wireless proposals to pursue broader project.

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

While some cities are making strides toward establishing citywide wireless internet service, Menlo Park is looking for something bigger, and according to city staff, possibly something better.

Menlo Park is one of several cities looking to join a 1,500-square-mile wireless network that would reach four counties.

The project is being orchestrated by the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network, a group of business leaders focused on improving the Silicon Valley economy. The joint venture is working with a task force of Silicon Valley government officials.

"We've assumed [wireless service] is of general value to the community," said David Boesch, Menlo Park's city manager. "We've opted to consider a more comprehensive look -- a bolder initiative."

Last year, Menlo Park received several proposals from different vendors to supply Menlo Park with wireless service, according to Mr. Boesch. The offers were unsolicited, and several "alluded to some level of free service," he said.

But after looking at the wireless network plans of other cities, Mr. Boesch and David Johnson, the city's business development manager, decided the city should consider fitting into a broader network.

Mr. Johnson said Menlo Park has also considered trying wireless Internet on a much smaller scale in the downtown area, but ultimately decided it should be available to the entire city and fit into a regional system. Mr. Johnson is a member of the task force examining the region's options for a wireless network.

"We'd be making a mistake if we pursued a me-first policy," said Mr. Johnson. "We need a regional solution. The wireless connection shouldn't just be a patchwork across Silicon Valley -- it needs to be consistent."

If individual cities use different service providers, people would be forced to log in every time they crossed city lines, disrupting their connection, said Seth Fearey, one of the joint venture's vice presidents.

"[Mr. Johnson], like many officials in his position, have been scratching their heads as these small [wireless Internet] interests are campaigning to install wireless networks in cities throughout Silicon Valley," said Mr. Fearey. "But we want what happens in Menlo Park to be consistent with another city."

Five cities have already signed onto the joint venture project, including Santa Cruz and Morgan Hill, said Mr. Fearey. San Jose is also "very interested," in joining, he said.

The joint venture will receive proposals from service providers. Some of the proposals may provide free service, and others may provide fee-based service.

Menlo Park will await direction from the City Council at its March priority-setting session whether or not to pursue participating in the project.

The Menlo Park Library, like other San Mateo County libraries, already has a wireless connection.

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