Could Free Public Wi-Fi Be Coming to Redwood City?

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a plan that would create super Wi-Fi networks all around the country—and threaten the viability of big-name cell-phone carriers and Internet providers.

But not all tech companies are against the FCC's plan. Microsoft and Mountain View-based Google are spending top dollars to lobby in support of the plan, according to a report in The Washington Post, because they believe free Wi-Fi would help drive further innovation and provide a market for more gadgets.

Cellular carriers are not as supportive. The Post reports that the FCC wants to buy airwaves that are more powerful than a typical household Wi-Fi connection, making it possible that people could opt out of traditional cell phone coverage and home Internet service.

In Redwood City and Woodside, free Wi-Fi is offered at the public libraries, at hotels and motels and in many big-name coffee shops like Starbucks and Peet's as well as local joints like Broadway Barista, Back Yard Coffee, Summit Coffee and many more. 

Some have concerns about the idea. Tech support at night and on weekends would be a challenge, and there are privacy issues to consider. 

Even if it's approved by the FCC, The Post says the new network would still take several years to implement, and it's unclear how reliable the connection would be in urban areas, where many people might be using the free Wi-Fi system at the same time.

Do you think government-provided Wi-Fi would be good for Redwood City and Woodside? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.

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