Philadelphia, Verizon Strike Deal on WiFi [View All]

[Penndems]

Wow, this is GREAT! Congratulations are definitely in order here.
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Agreement Allows City to Provide Internet Access Even as Industry's Bill Is Signed

By Marc Levy
Associated Press
Wednesday, December 1, 2004; Page E04

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30 -- The city of Philadelphia and Verizon Communications Inc. struck an agreement Tuesday that would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even though Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D) signed legislation giving Verizon the power to scuttle the project.

Lawyers for the city and Verizon, the city's local telephone company, found common ground Tuesday in discussions with the governor's office, said spokeswomen for Verizon and Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street.

The parties "reached an understanding that protects our interests and allows us to move forward with the . . . initiative," Street's spokeswoman Luz Cardenas said.

Philadelphia's plans are the most ambitious of any major U.S. city to provide free or inexpensive high-speed wireless access to all residents.

More:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23826-2004Nov30.html